By Prevail Inegbenose
The Nigeria Police Force is set to develop a comprehensive security roadmap for the 2027 general elections at the sixth edition of its Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers scheduled to hold in Owerri, Imo State.
The three-day conference, billed for September 21 to 23, 2026, is themed: “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections.”
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Abuja, saying the conference would provide a strategic platform for senior police commanders, security experts and other stakeholders to assess emerging threats and develop operational strategies for safe, peaceful and credible elections.
Iniedu said discussions at the retreat would focus on intelligence-led policing, police-community partnerships, digital technologies, artificial intelligence and other contemporary approaches to strengthening police operations before, during and after elections.
He said the conference would also facilitate the development of actionable strategies for the protection of voters, electoral officials, candidates, election materials and the general public during the 2027 elections.
According to him, the initiative forms part of the police leadership’s commitment to institutional reform, professionalisation and operational readiness ahead of the elections.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to professionalising its personnel to guarantee a peaceful, safe and secure atmosphere for the country’s next major election,” Iniedu said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lenders Consult International, Shina Philips, said the organisation had, since securing approval to organise the conference and retreat, worked to secure sponsorship for successive editions of the event.
Philips described the initiative as part of the organisation’s contribution to supporting the “selfless and patriotic work” of the Nigeria Police Force.
He commended the government’s efforts to strengthen national security, while urging Nigerians to support the police in fulfilling their constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property and maintaining public order.
According to him, the vision of the conference has evolved over the years, with the event attracting international participants and providing a platform for Nigeria to embrace modern policing methods.
He said Lenders Consult International would continue to partner with the Nigeria Police authorities to ensure that the conference remained focused on delivering cutting-edge policing solutions.
Philips also thanked the Inspector-General of Police, the Force Management Team and the entire Nigeria Police Force for their support for the programme since its inception in 2019.
He expressed appreciation to the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for agreeing to host the event for the third time.
The conference is expected to bring together senior police officers, security professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders to deliberate on emerging security challenges and strengthen preparations for the 2027 general elections.