Azare warns police officers against Osun election misconduct
Etim Ekpimah
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, has warned officers deployed to Osun State for special election duty against partisanship, intimidation, extortion and other forms of unprofessional conduct.
Azare issued the warning while addressing the officers before their departure, charging them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, neutrality and respect for the rule of law throughout the assignment.
He described election duty as a sensitive national responsibility, stressing that the officers’ conduct must reflect the integrity and professionalism expected of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
The commissioner specifically warned the officers against intimidating voters, harassing members of the public, demanding or collecting money, using unnecessary force, abandoning duty posts, consuming alcohol while on duty or engaging in any other conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute.
Azare also cautioned them against violating the Inspector-General of Police’s Social Media Policy. He directed the officers not to post, livestream, share or circulate photographs, videos, comments or other materials relating to sensitive election operations in ways that could compromise operational security or the image of the Force.
The commissioner further said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, had made adequate arrangements for the transportation of all personnel deployed from Akwa Ibom to Osun State and their return after the election.
He therefore directed the officers not to pay for their transportation to Osun State or back to Akwa Ibom, warning commanders and other personnel against collecting money from any officer under the guise of transportation or related movement expenses.
Azare directed any officer who was asked to make such a payment to report the matter immediately through the appropriate channel.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, on Thursday, 13 August 2026 for the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Azare said the officers were being deployed to Osun as representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and must maintain absolute neutrality.
“You are going to Osun State as representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Akwa Ibom State Police Command. You must remain completely neutral and professional. Do not allow yourselves to be used by any political party, candidate or individual,” he said.
The commissioner directed the officers to remain under the command and control of their designated commanders, observe the rules of engagement and protect voters, electoral officials and election materials.
He urged them to ensure that their conduct contributed to a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process.
Azare warned that any officer found engaging in misconduct, extortion, unauthorised collection of money or violation of lawful directives would be held personally accountable and face appropriate disciplinary action.
He wished the officers a successful assignment and safe return to Akwa Ibom, urging them to distinguish themselves through discipline, courage, neutrality and exemplary conduct.
