The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu has directed police commissioners across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to arrest and prosecute persons involved in vandalising, defacing or removing political campaign materials ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Aniete Iniede.
According to Iniede, the Nigeria Police Force had expressed concern over the growing incidents of deliberate destruction of campaign posters, banners and billboards belonging to political parties and candidates across the country. He condemned the development, describing it as an act of political intolerance, and cautioned political thugs and other individuals engaging in such activities to desist or face legal consequences.
The police spokesperson explained that the destruction or unauthorised removal of campaign materials could amount to malicious damage, an offence punishable under Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law. He emphasised that political affiliation or differences did not give individuals the right to destroy the property of others or interfere with their constitutional right to campaign.
Iniede further maintained that all political parties and candidates were entitled to equal protection under the law, regardless of their political affiliations, warning that no group had the authority to determine which candidate’s campaign materials should be displayed or removed.
According to him, the IGP has instructed police commissioners to strengthen preventive measures, investigate reported cases and ensure that suspects are arrested and prosecuted.
The directive also extends to political sponsors and other individuals who may be found to have recruited, encouraged or supported those responsible for the acts, provided sufficient evidence establishes their involvement.
The police called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to embrace peaceful campaigns and respect the rights of other political actors. It warned that acts of intimidation, political intolerance and violence could threaten the country’s democratic process, stressing that the Force would not allow troublemakers to turn the political environment into a centre of lawlessness.
The statement reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to enforcing the law and ensuring that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections are conducted peacefully.
