2027: Police Will Not Tolerate Incitement by Political Actors, FPRO Asserts

CSP Anietie Iniedu, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), has cautioned political stakeholders against making inciting remarks that could trigger electoral violence before the 2027 general elections. He emphasized that such remarks are a criminal offence under the existing laws of the country and that the Force will not tolerate any form of incitement.

Iniedu assured that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to maintaining law and order regardless of the affected interests. He also noted that 154 persons were arrested during the off-cycle election in Osun State and are currently under investigation. Iniedu clarified that the Police were not willing to prosecute electoral offenders during the Osun State election, dispelling misinformation on the matter.

However, he regretted that witnesses not appearing in court to provide testimony was a significant obstacle to prosecution. When questioned about roaming cows obstructing vehicular movement and defacing streets in the FCT, Iniedu clarified that cow control was not the Police's responsibility, falling under the relevant ministry or department of the environment. The Police would only investigate if a cow caused damage to property or trespassed onto a property.