2027: IGP Disu Moves to Block Illegal Arms Ahead of Elections

By Princess-Ekwi Ajide

The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has warned that the trafficking of illegal arms across Nigeria’s borders could threaten peaceful elections in 2027, as security agencies move to strengthen regional cooperation against illicit weapons.

Disu gave the warning on Monday in Abuja while opening a five day regional simulation programme on small arms identification and tracing involving 12 African countries.

He said illegal weapons could be used to intimidate voters, attack political opponents and disrupt polling, stressing that dismantling arms trafficking networks through intelligence sharing and joint investigations was critical to protecting voters, electoral officials and election materials.

The programme, scheduled for October 12 to 16, is designed to equip security personnel with the skills to identify, register and trace illicit firearms and ammunition.

According to the IGP, illegal arms also fuel terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and organised crime, making coordinated action among African countries essential to tackling cross border security threats.

He said the knowledge and skills acquired during the training would be extended to police commands and formations nationwide to strengthen intelligence gathering, weapons recovery and election security ahead of the 2027 general elections.