The Nigeria Police Force has assured National Youth Service Corps members and temporary personnel working for the Independent National Electoral Commission that their security will be fully guaranteed during the 2027 general elections.
This commitment comes in the wake of public anxiety caused by recent kidnappings involving young graduates. In November 2026, nine corps members alongside a commercial driver were abducted along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan road in Ogun State. That incident followed the October 1 abduction of 20 prospective corps members on the Owerri-Onitsha road in Imo State.
Speaking at a joint briefing of security agencies on Thursday, police spokesman Ani Iniedu stated that the force had conducted an extensive security evaluation, according to Punch. He explained that officers are collaborating with sister security agencies and INEC to secure temporary personnel before, during, and after voting exercises.
Iniedu noted that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered the immediate release and distribution of operational vehicles and security equipment to support field officers. The spokesman stressed that safeguarding youths who step forward to assist the nation's democratic process remains a high priority for the police command.
The police also issued a stern warning against hate speech, incitement, and campaign violence. According to the authorities, 11 cases of hate speech have already been logged, and commissioners of police nationwide have been directed to arrest and prosecute any culprits promptly. The force has set up reporting platforms for citizens to lodge complaints if any commissioner fails to act.
Meanwhile, preparations for the upcoming nationwide ballots continue as INEC rounds off its recruitment drive for ad hoc workers. The commission announced that its registration portal, INECPRES, will close at midnight on Wednesday, November 18, 2026.
The recruitment exercise, which started on September 18, covers roles such as Presiding Officers, Assistant Presiding Officers, Supervisory Presiding Officers, Registration Area Technical Support, and RAC Managers. The positions are primarily open to serving corps members, students of tertiary institutions, public servants, and qualified technical professionals.
