ABUJA – Former Vice-President of Sierra Leone Victor Bockarie Foe is leading a key regional effort to help safeguard Nigeria’s next general elections.
Foh, who is Head of the ECOWAS Pre-Election Fact-Finding Mission, on Tuesday held talks with senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force at Force Headquarters in Abuja. The mission is assessing security preparations ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 General Elections.
DIG Umar Shehu Nadada, Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Operations, received the ECOWAS team. Also present were senior officers responsible for counter-terrorism, border control, armament, the Police Mobile Force, crime prevention, administration and special protection.
Discussions focused on major security threats that could disrupt the polls, including terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and related risks. Police officials briefed the mission on ongoing threat assessments, operational readiness, clearance operations and coordination with other security agencies. The goal, they said, is to protect vulnerable communities, safeguard election staff and materials, and ensure voters can reach polling units safely.
The Nigerian side also highlighted the use of technology, intelligence sharing, contingency plans and regular security reviews to identify potential flashpoints and respond quickly to emerging threats.
The ECOWAS mission, led by the Sierra Leonean diplomat, stressed the need for professional, impartial and accountable policing. Particular attention, the team noted, must be paid to the safety of voters, candidates, women in politics, election officials and observers. Other priorities raised included enforcing peace accords, tackling the use of thugs and unauthorised security groups, countering misinformation and disinformation, and building public confidence through clear communication and community engagement.
The Nigeria Police Force assured the delegation of its commitment to providing security throughout the electoral process and supporting peaceful political participation before, during and after the elections. Areas flagged for continued attention include special protection measures for women candidates, stronger enforcement of peace agreements, updated intelligence on possible trouble spots, and strategies to combat election-related false information.
The meeting underscored the value of early preparation, cooperation between institutions and regional engagement in strengthening electoral security. It also reaffirmed the shared goal of creating conditions in which every eligible Nigerian can vote freely, peacefully and without fear of intimidation.
The involvement of a high-profile Sierra Leonean figure in the ECOWAS mission highlights the continued role of the sub-region in supporting democratic processes across West Africa.
