The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 8 Headquarters, Lokoja, Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, has warned police officers against partisan politics and accepting inducements from politicians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Otimenyin issued the warning during an operational inspection tour of the Kwara State Police Command in Ilorin, urging personnel to remain neutral, professional and focused on their constitutional responsibility of providing security during the electoral process.
According to the AIG, officers deployed for election duties must resist attempts by politicians to influence them or use them to campaign for political parties or candidates.
“This is the period of election and the campaign has started, so you will be posted across. So we are saying, don’t become a politician, don’t be partisan,” she warned.
She added that officers should not allow political promises to compromise their duties, stressing that politicians would not stand by them if they got into trouble for violating professional standards.
The AIG further cautioned officers against campaigning for political parties or instructing voters on who to support.
Otimenyin also reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s reform agenda under Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, saying modern policing must be based on professionalism, respect for citizens and partnership with communities.
She said the police should no longer operate with a “master-servant” mentality, stressing that members of the public are partners in policing.
The AIG equally condemned extortion, brutality, torture and other forms of human rights abuses by police personnel.
She described such practices as “Dracula policing” and warned officers against torturing suspects or subjecting members of the public to unnecessary brutality.
Otimenyin urged officers to uphold the image of the Nigeria Police Force, noting that misconduct by individual personnel could damage the reputation of the entire organisation.
She commended the Kwara State Police Command for maintaining a positive public image and charged its personnel to sustain the confidence of residents.
The inspection tour forms part of efforts by the police authorities to assess operational preparedness, strengthen discipline and promote professionalism among officers ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.