The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has charged senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force to move swiftly from the discussions and resolutions of the Sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers (CARSPO 2026) to practical action across their respective Commands and Formations.
The three-day conference, which concluded on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, in Owerri, Imo State, provided a platform for senior Police officers and stakeholders to examine key issues affecting policing, national security and public safety.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the IGP stressed that the true measure of CARSPO 2026 would not be the discussions held in Owerri, but the changes recorded across the Force after participants return to their respective Commands.
He consequently directed participating officers to adopt a train-the-trainers approach, ensuring that lessons and knowledge gained at the conference are cascaded to Deputy Commissioners of Police, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical commanders and other personnel under their supervision.
With the 2027 General Elections ahead, the IGP tasked Commands with strengthening operational planning, intelligence gathering, personnel training and community engagement.
He reiterated that the loyalty of the Nigeria Police Force remains firmly with the Constitution, the law and the Nigerian people, and not with any political party, candidate or interest group.
The IGP further charged senior officers to lead by example and ensure that professionalism, impartiality, discipline, integrity, respect for citizens’ rights and accountability remain central to the conduct of Police personnel.
He also drew attention to the growing importance of Artificial Intelligence, digital intelligence and data-driven policing in modern law enforcement. Alongside technology, he emphasised the need for professional media engagement, timely and accurate communication, and sustained partnerships with communities as essential tools for strengthening public confidence in the Police.
A major outcome of the conference was the presentation of resolutions providing for a comprehensive Nigeria Police Election Security Roadmap, anchored on intelligence, political neutrality, professionalism, technology, community partnership, accountability and inter-agency collaboration.
The roadmap places emphasis on early warning mechanisms, operational coordination, personnel preparedness and effective responses to election-related threats.
The closing ceremony was attended by the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma; the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN; the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission; members of the Imo State Executive Council; senior Police officers and other invited stakeholders.
The IGP expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Imo State for their hospitality, as well as Lenders Consult Nigeria Limited, facilitators, lecturers and participants whose contributions supported the success of the conference.
With CARSPO 2026 now concluded, the focus shifts from deliberation to implementation as the Nigeria Police Force seeks to translate the outcomes of the retreat into improved election preparedness, stronger supervision, intelligence-led and technology-enabled policing, enhanced community engagement and professional conduct across Commands and Formations nationwide.
