2027: Police pledge protection for NYSC members, INEC staff

The Nigeria Police Force has pledged to provide enhanced security measures for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other ad hoc personnel working with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2027 general elections. This commitment comes in the wake of two incidents that occurred recently: the abduction of nine corps members and a commercial driver in Ogun State in November 2026, and the kidnapping of 20 prospective corps members in Imo State on October 1, 2026.

These events have reignited concerns about the safety of young Nigerians participating in national endeavors, particularly as many corps members are part of INEC's temporary workforce.

Speaking at a joint security agencies briefing on Thursday, police spokesman Ani Iniedu revealed that the force had carried out a comprehensive threat assessment and was proactively strengthening security arrangements to safeguard electoral personnel. He emphasized that the police are collaborating with INEC and other security agencies to ensure the protection of corps members and other temporary workers, both before, during, and after the elections.

Iniedu highlighted that during the Osun State election, the police had engaged both corps members and their parents, promising to maintain their commitment to providing adequate security for all ad hoc personnel.

The upcoming general election will not be an exception, as the police are working closely with the INEC and other security bodies through established inter-agency arrangements. They are also actively recruiting and distributing operational equipment and logistics to bolster their security operations. Iniedu reiterated that the safety of corps members and other young Nigerians involved in the electoral process remains a top priority for the Nigeria Police Force.

He urged the public to report any instances of hate speech, incitement, or other forms of political violence capable of jeopardizing the electoral process. The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed all police commissioners to immediately arrest and prosecute individuals involved in such offenses.