IGP Disu Orders Arrest, Prosecution of Campaign Billboard Vandals Nationwide

By: Awajis Josiah-Chijindu 

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed Commissioners of Police in the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in the destruction, defacement and unlawful removal of political campaign posters, banners and billboards ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, noting that the Nigeria Police Force had observed with serious concern the increasing incidents of deliberate destruction of campaign materials belonging to political candidates and parties across the country.

CSP Iniedu said the police condemned the acts of political intolerance and warned political thugs, hoodlums and other mischief-makers involved to desist immediately or face the consequences of their actions.

He  explained that destroying, defacing or unlawfully removing another candidate's campaign materials could constitute malicious damage, which is a criminal offence under applicable laws, including Section 451 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 326 of the Penal Code Law, which provides for the offence of mischief.

The police spokesperson stressed that political differences or loyalty to a particular party did not give anyone the right to destroy another candidate's property or prevent others from exercising their right to campaign freely.

He reiterated that all political parties and candidates, irrespective of their affiliations or status, were entitled to equal protection under the law, adding that no individual or group had the right to decide whose campaign materials should be displayed or destroyed.

According to the statement, the IGP has directed the state commissioners of police and the FCT Commissioner of Police to take proactive measures to prevent such incidents, investigate reported cases and ensure the arrest and prosecution of those found culpable.

The police chief also warned that political sponsors and individuals who recruit, encourage or facilitate the criminal acts would be held accountable where evidence established their involvement.

The Force urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their campaigns peacefully and respect the rights of others, warning that political intolerance, intimidation and criminal conduct must not be allowed to undermine the country's democratic process.

It added that the police would not allow political thugs and troublemakers to turn the nation's political environment into a theatre of lawlessness, insisting that anyone who violated the law would face its full consequences.

The statement urged Nigerians to respect the law and allow democracy to thrive.