The Nigeria Police Force and Lenders Consult International are set to develop a strategic security roadmap to guide effective management of security before, during and after the 2027 general elections, with a focus on preventing electoral violence and strengthening public safety.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lenders Consult International, Shina Philips, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja while announcing the sixth edition of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026).
Philips said the initiative would support the Nigeria Police in developing practical strategies to protect voters, electoral officials, political candidates, election materials and other stakeholders throughout the electoral process.
He added that the roadmap would also strengthen the capacity of the Force to anticipate and respond effectively to emerging security threats, maintain public order and enhance coordination among security agencies during the elections.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who has consistently emphasised the critical role of the Police in securing Nigeria’s electoral process.
Philips quoted the IGP as saying that the “stability of the electoral process largely depends on the Police as the lead agency in internal democracy,” stressing that adequate preparation, intelligence gathering, strategic coordination and effective deployment would be critical to ensuring peaceful and credible elections.
He announced that CARSPO 2026 would hold from September 21 to 23 in Owerri, Imo State, under the theme, “Developing a Nigeria Police Road Map for Effective Management of Security During Elections.”
He said the conference would bring together senior police officers, security and law enforcement experts, government officials and other stakeholders to examine emerging electoral security challenges and develop practical responses.
Philips said deliberations at the conference would focus on contemporary policing strategies, intelligence-led policing, modern security technologies and other innovative approaches aimed at strengthening election security and operational readiness.
He disclosed that Lenders Consult International had partnered with the Nigeria Police since 2019 to support policing initiatives and promote modern approaches to security management in the country.
“Since inception, when we first got approval to organise the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, we have worked to secure sponsorship for every single edition. We consider this our contribution to support the selfless and patriotic work of the Nigeria Police,” Philips said.
The Lenders Consult CEO also called for greater public support for the Police, stressing that the responsibility of securing society should not be left solely to government and security agencies.
While commending the efforts of government and security agencies, he urged Nigerians to support the Police in the discharge of their constitutional responsibility to protect lives and property and maintain public order.
“While commending the government’s efforts, we emphasise that Nigerians need to support the police in fulfilling their constitutional mandate to secure our society and maintain public order,” he said.
Philips noted that CARSPO had continued to expand since its inception, attracting participants and perspectives from Nigeria and other countries.
Describing Nigeria as the “Giant of Africa,” he said the country had an important role to play in the adoption and promotion of modern policing practices across the continent.
He assured that Lenders Consult International would continue to collaborate with the Nigeria Police authorities to ensure that the conference remained focused on practical and innovative solutions to contemporary policing challenges.
He expressed appreciation to IGP Disu, the Force Management Team and the entire Nigeria Police Force for their continued support for the conference since 2019.
Philips also commended the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for agreeing to host the event in Owerri for the third time.
CARSPO 2026 is expected to provide a strategic platform for generating recommendations that will assist the Nigeria Police in strengthening election security, preventing violence and improving coordination among security stakeholders as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
