The Lagos State Police Command has pledged robust security support to the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 general elections, promising to safeguard the integrity of the polls across the state.

The assurance followed a courtesy visit by senior INEC officials to the Command Headquarters in Ikeja, where the delegation was received by the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai. The team was led by the Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Abayomi Salami.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the meeting focused on early planning, security coordination and the prevention of electoral violence as political activities begin to gather momentum.

Salami used the visit to congratulate Fatai on his appointment and to seek sustained collaboration between the electoral body and the police. He stressed that credible elections in Lagos depend heavily on the professionalism and neutrality of security agencies deployed before, during and after voting.

The INEC delegation underscored the need for a secure environment that would allow voters, electoral officials, party agents and observers to participate in the process without fear or intimidation. They also highlighted lessons from previous election cycles, including the importance of rapid response to security threats and better protection of election materials and collation centres.

Responding, Fatai reaffirmed the command’s readiness to provide “adequate security support” to INEC at every stage of the electoral process. He noted that the police bear a constitutional responsibility to protect lives, property and democratic institutions, adding that elections are a critical test of public trust in both law enforcement and governance.

The commissioner emphasised inter-agency cooperation, saying effective coordination among the police, other security outfits and INEC would be central to preventing disruptions, managing crowds and addressing misinformation that could inflame tensions.

Fatai also hinted at plans for enhanced training and deployment strategies for officers assigned to election duties, with a focus on restraint, impartiality and respect for citizens’ rights.

The meeting ended with a mutual commitment to maintain regular consultations as the 2027 elections draw closer, with both institutions framing the partnership as essential to delivering peaceful, free, fair and credible polls in Lagos State.