The Jigawa State Police Command has begun a five-day training programme to prepare its personnel for election-related security challenges ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The training, organised by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, NPTF, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, NPF, started on Monday, October 26, and will end on Friday, October 30, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shiisu Lawan Adam, the programme is being held at the Manpower Development Institute, MDI, in Dutse, Jigawa State.
The workshop is themed “Role of Police Officers in Strengthening Electoral Security.”
The opening ceremony featured remarks by the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala; Ibrahim Muhammad, who represented the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund; Prof. Umar D. Muhammad of the University of Abuja, who serves as a consultant and facilitator; and Prof. Mustapha Hussaini of the Federal University Dutse.
Speaking at the event, Murtala stressed the need for regular training to improve officers’ ability to handle security challenges during elections.
He urged the participants to remain professional, impartial and disciplined while respecting human rights and protecting lives and property throughout the electoral process.
The police commissioner also emphasised “the need for personnel to remain politically neutral, uphold the rule of law and conduct themselves in accordance with established operational guidelines and the principles of democratic policing”.
Other speakers highlighted the importance of specialised training, intelligence-led policing, proper coordination and compliance with the law in addressing election-related security threats.
The training covers election security management, crowd control, conflict prevention, rules of engagement, human rights, intelligence gathering and lawful responses to electoral incidents.
It is also designed to equip officers with practical skills to prevent election violence, manage public gatherings and respond effectively to emerging threats before, during and after elections.
Murtala, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, formally declared the programme open. He urged participants to make the most of the training to improve their professional skills and readiness for the 2027 polls.
Members of the Jigawa State Police Command’s management team attended the ceremony, demonstrating the command’s commitment to improving police capacity and maintaining public safety.
The command commended the Nigeria Police Trust Fund and the Inspector-General of Police for their continued support in strengthening police operations.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to promoting credible, peaceful and violence-free elections through professional, impartial and human rights-based policing.
Jigawa police train officers on election security ahead of 2027 polls