By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Owerri
The Nigeria Police Force has concluded a three-day conference and retreat for senior police officers in Owerri, Imo State, with the 2027 General Elections featuring prominently in discussions on operational preparedness and election security.
The sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026), which ended on Wednesday, brought together senior officers and stakeholders for strategic sessions on contemporary policing, intelligence gathering, communication, technology and election security.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, charged senior officers to translate the knowledge and resolutions from the conference into practical measures across their respective commands and formations.
Disu said the effectiveness of the retreat would be measured by the changes and improvements recorded in policing operations after participants returned to their commands.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, the IGP directed officers to strengthen operational planning, intelligence gathering, personnel training and community engagement.
He also urged senior officers to cascade lessons from the conference to Deputy Commissioners of Police, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical commanders and other personnel under their supervision.
Disu reiterated that the police would remain loyal to the Constitution, the law and the Nigerian people, rather than any political party, candidate or interest group.
He further tasked officers to uphold professionalism, impartiality, discipline, integrity, respect for citizens’ rights and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
The conference also examined the use of Artificial Intelligence, digital intelligence and data-driven policing, as well as professional media engagement and community partnerships.
At the closing ceremony, participants adopted a Nigeria Police Election Security Roadmap anchored on intelligence, political neutrality, professionalism, technology, community partnership, accountability and inter-agency collaboration.
The roadmap also emphasised early warning mechanisms, operational coordination, personnel preparedness and effective response to election-related threats.
The closing ceremony was attended by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma; President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN; the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, members of the Imo State Executive Council, senior police officers and other stakeholders.
The police said the outcome of CARSPO 2026 would be translated into improved election preparedness, stronger supervision, intelligence-led and technology-enabled policing, enhanced community engagement and professional conduct across its commands and formations nationwide.
