The Nigeria Police Force is teaming up with Lenders Consult International to roll out a new strategic plan aimed at keeping the country safe before, during, and after the 2027 general elections. The partnership will focus on stopping electoral violence early and improving overall public safety nationwide.
Shina Philips, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lenders Consult International, announced the plan on Tuesday in Abuja. He made the announcement while unveiling the sixth edition of the Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, popularly known as CARSPO 2026.
According to Philips, the initiative is built to give the Police practical tools to protect everyone involved in the electoral process. That includes voters, electoral officials, political candidates, election materials, and other key stakeholders who keep democracy running. 
The roadmap also looks beyond the ballot. It is designed to strengthen the Force’s capacity to respond quickly to emerging threats and to maintain order throughout the election period. Philips said the plan directly supports the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who has repeatedly emphasized the Police’s central role in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy.
Quoting the IGP, Philips stressed that “the stability of the electoral process largely depends on the Police as the lead agency in internal democracy.” He added that success in 2027 will hinge on four things: adequate preparation, solid intelligence gathering, strong coordination, and proper deployment of personnel.
CARSPO 2026 is set for September 21 to 23 in Owerri, Imo State. The theme for this year is “Developing a Nigeria Police Road Map for Effective Management of Security During Elections.” Senior police officers, security experts, government officials, and other stakeholders are expected to attend and work through new challenges and practical solutions.
Lenders Consult International has worked with the Nigeria Police since 2019 to support modern policing efforts. Philips noted that since they received approval to organize CARSPO, they have secured sponsorship for every single edition. He described the conference as their way of contributing to the selfless work officers do daily.
He also called on Nigerians to play their part. “Security is not the job of government and security agencies alone,” Philips said. While commending government efforts so far, he urged citizens to back the Police in fulfilling their constitutional duty to protect lives and property and maintain public order.
The CEO said CARSPO has grown steadily since 2019 and now attracts participants from Nigeria and other countries. He described Nigeria as the “Giant of Africa” with a responsibility to lead in modern policing across the continent. Philips thanked IGP Disu, the Force Management Team, and the entire Nigeria Police Force for their support. He also acknowledged Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, for hosting the event in Owerri for the third time.
Organizers expect the conference to produce clear recommendations that will strengthen election security and inter-agency coordination. With preparations for 2027 already beginning, the goal is to turn those recommendations into action well ahead of voting day.
