Jigawa police practice officers on election safety forward of 2027 polls

The Jigawa State Police Command has begun a five-day coaching programme to arrange its personnel for election-related safety challenges forward of the 2027 common elections.

The coaching, organised by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, NPTF, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, began on Monday, October 26, and can finish on Friday, October 30, 2026.

According to an announcement issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shiisu Lawan Adam, the programme is being held on the Manpower Development Institute, MDI, in Dutse, Jigawa State.

The workshop is themed “Role of Police Officers in Strengthening Electoral Security.”

The opening ceremony featured remarks by the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala; Ibrahim Muhammad, who represented the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund; Prof. Umar D. Muhammad of the University of Abuja, who serves as a advisor and facilitator; and Prof. Mustapha Hussaini of the Federal University Dutse.

Speaking on the occasion, Murtala confused the necessity for normal coaching to enhance officers’ means to deal with safety challenges throughout elections.

He urged the members to stay skilled, neutral and disciplined whereas respecting human rights and defending lives and property all through the electoral course of.

The police commissioner additionally emphasised “the need for personnel to remain politically neutral, uphold the rule of law and conduct themselves in accordance with established operational guidelines and the principles of democratic policing”.

Other audio system highlighted the significance of specialized coaching, intelligence-led policing, correct coordination and compliance with the legislation in addressing election-related safety threats.

The coaching covers election safety administration, crowd management, battle prevention, guidelines of engagement, human rights, intelligence gathering and lawful responses to electoral incidents.

It can be designed to equip officers with sensible abilities to stop election violence, handle public gatherings and reply successfully to rising threats earlier than, throughout and after elections.

Murtala, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, formally declared the programme open. He urged members to profit from the coaching to enhance their skilled abilities and readiness for the 2027 polls.

Members of the Jigawa State Police Command’s administration staff attended the ceremony, demonstrating the command’s dedication to enhancing police capability and sustaining public security.

The command counseled the Nigeria Police Trust Fund and the Inspector-General of Police for his or her continued assist in strengthening police operations.

It additionally reaffirmed its dedication to selling credible, peaceable and violence-free elections by skilled, neutral and human rights-based policing.