The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed senior officers to translate the resolutions and lessons from the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO) into concrete improvements in policing, particularly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Disu gave the charge on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the closing ceremony of the three-day CARSPO 2026 held in Owerri, Imo State.
The IGP said the success of the conference would ultimately be measured by the practical changes recorded across police commands and formations after participating officers return to their respective duty posts.
He directed senior officers to adopt a train-the-trainers approach, requiring them to cascade knowledge and lessons from the retreat to Deputy Commissioners of Police, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical commanders and other personnel under their supervision.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Disu urged commands to strengthen operational planning, intelligence gathering, personnel training and community engagement.
He reiterated that the Nigeria Police Force owes its loyalty to the Constitution, the law and the Nigerian people, rather than to any political party, candidate or interest group.
The IGP further charged senior officers to lead by example and ensure that professionalism, impartiality, discipline, integrity, respect for citizens’ rights and accountability remain central to police operations.
He also highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence, digital intelligence and data-driven policing, alongside professional media engagement, timely communication and sustained partnerships with communities.
The conference resolutions presented at the closing ceremony included a comprehensive Nigeria Police Election Security Roadmap, anchored on intelligence, political neutrality, professionalism, technology, community partnership, accountability and inter-agency collaboration.
The roadmap places particular emphasis on early warning mechanisms, operational coordination, personnel preparedness and effective responses 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.
Disu commended the Government and people of Imo State for their hospitality and acknowledged Lenders Consult Nigeria Limited, facilitators, lecturers and participants for their contributions to the success of the conference.
The Nigeria Police Force said it would focus on translating the outcomes of CARSPO 2026 into improved election preparedness, stronger supervision, intelligence-led and technology-enabled policing, enhanced community engagement and greater professional conduct across commands and formations nationwide.
