2027 Elections: IGP Disu Suspends Leave for Police Officers, Orders Nationwide Anti-Bandit Operations

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has suspended leave for police personnel assigned to election security ahead of the 2027 general elections, while ordering intensified operations against banditry across the country.

Disu also directed the immediate deployment of additional officers, operational vehicles and air support to communities facing persistent bandit attacks.

Speaking at the monthly conference with senior police officers in Abuja on Wednesday, the IGP gave Commissioners of Police in affected states 72 hours to submit updated security threat assessments and identify their operational needs.

He instructed the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations to coordinate the deployment of personnel and equipment to the most affected areas.

The police chief further ordered security commands to strengthen intelligence-led operations and establish specific action plans for high-risk communities.

He also called for stronger cooperation with traditional rulers, village heads, hunters’ associations and local vigilante groups to improve intelligence gathering and help identify criminal networks.

On preparations for the 2027 elections, Disu confirmed that officers assigned to election security duties would no longer be permitted to proceed on leave. He also restricted the movement of senior officers outside their respective commands.

The IGP maintained that the police would respond more aggressively to security threats, declaring: “The bandits do not rest, neither shall we.”