The Nigeria Police Force has issued a nationwide directive to curb the rising tide of campaign vandalism ahead of the 2027 general elections. Inspector‑General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu ordered police commissioners in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to intensify preventive operations, investigate incidents of defacement and ensure that offenders are arrested and prosecuted.
Force Public Relations Officer Ani Iniedu said the police had observed with “serious concern” the growing incidents of deliberate tearing, defacement and destruction of political posters, banners and billboards. “The Force strongly condemns this act of political intolerance and warns political thugs, hoodlums and other mischief‑makers to desist immediately,” the statement read.
Under Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law, malicious damage to campaign material is a criminal offence. Iniedu warned that anyone who recruits, finances or encourages such acts would be held accountable. “Political differences or loyalty to a particular party do not give anyone the right to destroy another candidate’s property or infringe on their right to campaign freely,” the police added.
At the same time, the Nigerian Army has pledged to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with “adequate security support” while maintaining a strictly neutral, non‑partisan posture. Major General Abubakar Sadique Muhammad Wase, commander of 1 Division and Sector 1 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, assured the Acting State Electoral Commissioner that troops would focus on outer‑perimeter security and work with other agencies to create a conducive environment for peaceful polls.
The dual assurances came amid heightened political activity across the country. Both security institutions warned that political competition must not devolve into intimidation, violence or property damage, and called on parties, candidates and supporters to conduct campaigns peacefully.
“Nigeria’s democratic process must not be undermined by political intolerance, intimidation or criminal conduct,” the police statement concluded. “The Nigeria Police Force will not allow political thugs and troublemakers to turn the nation’s political environment into a theatre of lawlessness. Those who break the law will face the full consequences of their actions.”
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
