The Jigawa State Police Command has strengthened its preparedness for the 2027 general elections following the completion of a five-day special training programme designed to equip officers with the knowledge and skills required to maintain peace, protect voters and prevent electoral violence.
The programme, organised by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), ended on Friday with a closing ceremony at the Manpower Development Institute (MDI), Dutse, the Jigawa State capital.
Online gathered that the training came amid preparations for the 2027 general elections, as security agencies intensify efforts to address potential electoral threats, prevent political violence and protect lives and property across the state.
It also forms part of broader efforts to strengthen the operational capacity of police personnel, promote professional conduct and ensure a peaceful atmosphere for political activities before, during and after the elections.
In his closing remarks, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, DCP Abdullahi S. Wase, on behalf of the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala, emphasised the importance of building professional capacity for effective election security management.
Wase urged the participants to put the knowledge and skills acquired during the training into practice.
“The success of the programme would depend on their ability to apply the lessons in their daily assignments,” he stressed.
He said, “Officers must demonstrate professionalism, impartiality, discipline and respect for human rights while carrying out their responsibilities, particularly during the 2027 general elections, when public confidence in the neutrality of security agencies would be essential.”
The deputy commissioner further reminded the participants that their responsibilities extended beyond their personal development, urging them to share the knowledge acquired with colleagues who did not participate in the programme.
According to him, “Disseminating the lessons to other officers would broaden the benefits of the training, improve operational effectiveness and strengthen the overall capacity of the Jigawa State Police Command to manage election-related security challenges.”
The commissioner’s representative said the training was impactful, adding that “the training recap also provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the practical application of the knowledge acquired, particularly in addressing security challenges that could arise during the electoral process.”
He also expressed appreciation to the police leadership for its support, noting that “the Command appreciates the Nigeria Police Trust Fund and the Inspector-General of Police for their continued support for capacity building, training and professional development within the Nigeria Police Force.”
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to peaceful elections, Wase said, “The Command remains committed to providing a peaceful, secure and violence-free electoral environment through impartial, professional and human-rights-based policing before, during and after the 2027 general elections.”
Wase urged the participants to uphold the highest standards of discipline and public service.
He subsequently declared the training programme closed on behalf of CP Murtala, commending the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, the facilitator and all participants for their contributions to the successful completion of the exercise.
The closing ceremony featured a review of the training modules facilitated by Professor Mustapha Hussaini of the Federal University Dutse and the presentation of certificates to officers who successfully completed the programme.