The sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026), held in Owerri from 21 to 23 September, placed an important conversation before Nigeria: what should modern, accountable and professionally prepared policing look like as the country approaches the 2027 general elections?
Organised by the Nigeria Police Force in conjunction with Lenders Consult International, led by Shina Philips, the conference focused on developing a roadmap for effective management of security during elections. Discussions extended beyond conventional security deployment into intelligence-led policing, community partnerships, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, strategic communication, officer welfare and institutional learning.
For CORESPHERE, one aspect deserves particular recognition: the intentionality behind bringing senior police leadership, practitioners and, notably, other arms of the justice system together to examine existing systems, emerging threats and the demands of a changing security environment.
The governance dimension is significant. Good governance is not limited to policies on paper; it requires institutions willing to examine performance, strengthen accountability, invest in people and technology, engage stakeholders and prepare for emerging risks.
CARSPO 2026 demonstrated several of these elements. The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, outlined a six-pillar framework: early intelligence mapping, comprehensive officer training for crowd management and protection, joint agency cooperation, fast communication and disinformation tracking, active community partnerships, and strict adherence to political neutrality. He directed that election-duty allowances be paid promptly and rest rotations properly maintained, reiterating that dedicated service would be rewarded while misconduct or partisan bias would be strictly punished. His charge to commissioners was blunt: “Neutral. Prepared. Present. Accountable.”
Reviewing operational progress since February 2026, the IGP cited significant arrests of criminal elements and the rescue of kidnap victims as evidence that routine security operations would continue alongside election preparations.
The IGP also cautioned political stakeholders directly: “Compete with ideas, not with thugs. Do not hire mobs, buy votes, move arms or threaten voters and electoral officials,” noting that police would work with the EFCC, ICPC and INEC to ensure offenders face trial.
The conference’s stakeholder engagement was equally instructive. A Day-3 panel brought together the current President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okunsanya, SAN, and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, a deliberate signal that election security cannot be the police’s task alone, but a shared responsibility across the bar, the electoral umpire and law enforcement.
CORESPHERE recognises the Nigeria Police Force for creating space for this kind of institutional reflection and forward planning, and acknowledges Lenders Consult International for its sustained role in facilitating CARSPO and convening this range of expertise around contemporary policing challenges.
The real measure of CARSPO will extend beyond Owerri; seen in how these frameworks, commitments and warnings translate into systems, conduct, preparedness and public trust as the 2027 election season advances.
For Nigeria, that implementation is the conversation that should follow.
