Police warn politicians and thugs in opposition to destroying marketing campaign posters and billboards forward of the 2027 normal elections

Crime

By Linda Ikeji
5 November 2026, 7:00 am

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned in opposition to the rising incidents of deliberate tearing, defacement and destruction of political marketing campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to candidates and political events throughout the nation forward of the 2027 General Elections.

In an announcement launched by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, in Abuja on Wednesday, November, the Force strongly condemned the act of political intolerance, warning political thugs, hoodlums and different mischief-makers concerned to desist instantly.

“For the avoidance of doubt, destroying, defacing or unlawfully removing another candidate’s campaign posters and billboards may constitute malicious damage, which is a criminal offence under applicable criminal laws (Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Sections 326 of the Penal Code Law, which defines the offence of mischief).

Political differences or loyalty to a particular party do not give anyone the right to destroy another candidate’s property or infringe on their right to campaign freely.” he stated

The Force reiterated that each one political events and candidates, no matter their affiliation or standing, are entitled to equal safety underneath the legislation.

“No individual or group has the right to determine whose campaign materials should be displayed or destroyed.”

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, stated he has directed Commissioners of Police throughout the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to take proactive measures to forestall such acts, examine reported incidents and be certain that individuals discovered culpable are arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the legislation.

“Political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate these criminal acts will equally be held accountable where evidence establishes their involvement”, the assertion learn partly