2027: IGP Harps On Professionalism
The Nigeria Police Force assures of officers conduct and professionalism during the forthcoming general elections as the Rivers State Police Command sacks two officers for accepting the renovation of a police station from a cult group
By Jude Nzennaya, Port Harcourt
Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Olatunji Disu, has assured that the police would always ensure that its officers and men display the highest level of professionalism during the 2027 general elections as Nigeria prepares for the crucial exercise.
He said the conduct of police personnel before, during and after the 2027 general elections would make Nigerians happy and proud of the force.
He gave the assurance while speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt after the launch of a book titled, “The Origin of Women in Nigeria Police Force,” authored by 96-years-old Dame Stella Okuyiga DCP (rtd) one of the first 20 pioneer female officers to join the Nigeria Police.
The IGP said the Force had in preparation for the elections organised a meeting with Commissioners of police across the country to ensure professionalism during the polls.
The IGP said; “I want to let you know that we just finished a conference of all commissioners of police and other senior officers. We have had two or three elections recently and you can see that police came very well and we did so well.
“We now brought all these experiences together; where we did well and where we did not do well, so that we can perform better in this big election that everybody is looking up to. I give you my word. Nigeria Police will do so well and we will make Nigeria Police so proud, and we will make Nigerians proud.
On the book, Disu said the author was among the first set of women to join the Nigerian police in 1955, adding that the force was pleased with her recorded achievements.
He stated, “Mama is 96 years old and she has taken her time to put all her experience, institutional knowledge that she has, down in the book for us to be able to study it for generations to come for women police in the next generation coming to have something to look up to.
“We in the police, we are starting up the history of not leaving our own, not forgetting our own. We are going to ensure that we get copies of this book for all police training institutions, for all police officers to go through to see what it was like to be police officers.”
Dame Okuyiga, the author and retired DCP expressed happiness that the publication was not just a book, but a part of her that would live on.
The Nonagenarian author said, “This book launch today is an important day in my life because the book itself is there. But I still live my life. I still live on because this book will be in libraries all over the world and they’ll be reading it. So I’m so happy that with all that is happening today I will continue to live forever.”
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokama launched the book with N20 million.
Meanwhile, a viral video of suspected Vikings cult members chanting inside a police facility has forced the Rivers State Police Command to wield the big stick by sacking two senior officers and ordering a full-scale probe.
In a decisive move that underscores zero tolerance for unprofessional conduct, the Rivers State Police Command has relieved the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Abuloma Division and the officer in charge of the Abuloma Police Outpost of their duties. Both officers have also been issued official queries pending the outcome of a thorough investigation.
The development was disclosed in the early hours of Friday, October 16, 2026, by the Command’s Spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Karbolo. Findings show the action was triggered by a disturbing video circulated by the anti-cultism platform, Naija Confra.
The footage, dated October 15, a day linked to the annual anniversary of the Vikings confraternity purportedly shows suspected cult members chanting their slogans in front of the Abuloma Police Outpost and posing for photographs with police officers inside the facility.
In its statement, the Command condemned in strong terms any action capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Police facilities are public institutions established to protect citizens and enforce the law. They must not become platforms for criminal groups to seek public recognition or influence.”
The Command stressed that it would not confer legitimacy on suspected cult groups or unlawful organisations.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has ordered a full and unbiased investigation.
According to the statement, the investigation will establish the identities and background of those who financed and facilitated the renovation, the officers who authorized or approved the project, whether due process was followed and whether any officer breached professional ethics or compromised the Force.
The Command clarified that while community support for police facilities is allowed under Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, such support must never compromise police independence, security and professional standards.
It added that the probe will verify whether necessary approvals were obtained and due diligence conducted on the donors.
“No donation or assistance will confer immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the Command warned.
It further warned that any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary and legal actions in line with extant laws, while urging residents to remain calm and continue to support security efforts with credible information.
