President Bola Tinubu has called for stronger public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions, urging the Police to uphold professionalism, neutrality and respect for citizens as preparations continue ahead of another election cycle. The President gave the charge on Monday at the 2026 Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers held in Owerri, Imo State.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, Tinubu said the responsibility of securing elections goes beyond protecting polling units and election materials. He stressed that voters, electoral officials, political actors and other participants must be able to take part in the democratic process without fear or intimidation.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the SGF on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, the President said every Nigerian should receive equal protection from the Police regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity, religion, social background or location. He said the conduct of security personnel would remain central to public confidence in the electoral process.

Tinubu also assured the Police of continued government support to improve their ability to respond to security challenges. He listed investment in training, technology, intelligence gathering, operational equipment and officers’ welfare as key areas needed to build a more effective security institution.

The President urged senior police officers at the retreat to strengthen community engagement, improve response time and expand cooperation with other security agencies. He noted that criminal groups were becoming more sophisticated, requiring better intelligence systems and coordinated responses.

While commending the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Police Management Team for efforts toward repositioning the Force, Tinubu acknowledged the sacrifices of officers working against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the country.

He charged the officers to use the retreat to develop practical strategies that would improve election security and strengthen public trust beyond the 2027 polls. Tinubu said the broader goal was to establish a modern, technology-driven and citizen-focused Police service built on discipline, accountability and respect for citizens’ rights.