The Nigeria Police Force has pledged to provide adequate security for members of the National Youth Service Corps and other ad hoc personnel expected to participate in the conduct of the 2027 general elections.
The assurance comes amid growing concerns over the safety of young Nigerians undertaking national assignments, following two separate kidnapping incidents involving prospective and serving corps members in different parts of the country. The first incident occurred in October 2026, when 20 prospective corps members were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha road in Imo State.
The matter has since proceeded to court. Another incident was recorded in November 2026, when nine corps members and a commercial driver were reportedly kidnapped along the Ijebu-Ode–Ibadan road in Ogun State.
The developments have heightened anxiety over the security of corps members deployed for public service, particularly during elections, where NYSC personnel form a substantial component of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) temporary workforce.
Addressing journalists at a joint briefing involving security agencies in Abuja on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Ani Iniedu, said the police had carried out a comprehensive assessment of potential security threats ahead of the 2027 polls. He explained that measures were being strengthened to prevent attacks on electoral personnel and other individuals involved in the exercise.
According to him, the police are collaborating with INEC and other security institutions to guarantee the protection of corps members and temporary election workers throughout the electoral process, including the periods before, during and after the polls.
“In every election cycle, there are potential threats to soft targets. However, as other targets become increasingly fortified, criminals may attempt to exploit perceived vulnerabilities elsewhere.
“The Nigeria Police Force has conducted an extensive threat assessment ahead of the forthcoming general elections, and we are adequately preparing for the challenges.
“During the Osun State election, for instance, we engaged corps members, their parents and other stakeholders and assured them of our commitment to providing adequate security for all ad hoc personnel. The forthcoming general election will not be an exception.
“We are working closely with sister security agencies through the established inter-agency security arrangements. We are also engaging the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure adequate protection for corps members and other ad hoc personnel involved in the electoral process,” he said.
Iniedu further revealed that additional personnel would be deployed as part of efforts to strengthen security ahead of the elections. He also disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police had ordered the immediate distribution of operational equipment and other logistical resources to enhance the Force’s preparedness.
“We are increasing deployments, while the Inspector-General of Police has directed that the distribution of operational equipment and logistics should commence immediately,” he said.
Reiterating the police commitment to the safety of electoral workers, the spokesman urged corps members and other young Nigerians involved in the democratic process not to allow security concerns to undermine their participation.
“I want to assure members of the public, particularly corps members and young Nigerians participating in the electoral process, that their safety remains a priority for the Nigeria Police Force.
“We will do everything within our capacity to ensure that those assisting in the democratic process are adequately protected,” he added.
Meanwhile, the police spokesman cautioned politicians and other political stakeholders against engaging in hate speech, inflammatory statements and acts capable of triggering violence during the electioneering period.
He disclosed that the Force had recorded approximately 11 complaints relating to hate speech and had documented the responses and actions taken in connection with the reported cases.
Iniedu said the Inspector-General of Police had instructed Commissioners of Police across the country to ensure that anyone found culpable of hate speech, incitement or related offences was promptly arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“Hate speech and incitement are criminal offences. The Inspector-General of Police has directed all Commissioners of Police to ensure the immediate arrest and prosecution of individuals involved in such acts,” he said.
He added that mechanisms had also been introduced to enable citizens to report police commissioners who fail to respond appropriately to complaints or take necessary steps against individuals accused of electoral-related offences.
“We will be taking decisive action against offenders.We have also established complaint channels to ensure that where a Commissioner of Police fails to take appropriate action, such failures can be reported and addressed, ” he said.
