By Segun Otokiti
Proton Security Services Limited on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 issued a nationwide security advisory, warning of heightened risks as Nigeria prepares for the upcoming 2027 general election cycle.
The firm, which is ISO-certified and licensed by the NSCDC, has continued to advocate for a regulated framework allowing private security firms to support national safety efforts as public security forces remain overstretched.
The firm’s Managing Director, Mr. Adekunmi Odebunmi, while issuing the advisory in Abuja, emphasized that election periods in Nigeria historically trigger surges in political tension and criminal opportunism that require coordinated safeguards.
The assessment highlights several critical vulnerabilities that could impact public safety and democratic integrity as elite competition and intra-party conflicts are expected to worsen in the journey towards 2027 polls.
According to Adekunmi, ongoing threats such as the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East and banditry in the North-West are fragile gaps that malicious actors could exploit.
The firm also warned of coordinated disruptions to public order and potential spikes in kidnapping and armed attacks.
“Emerging threats include AI-driven disinformation, social media volatility, and potential cyber attacks on electoral data,” he stated.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has revised the election schedule following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, scheduling party primaries for April 23, 2026 – May 30, 2026.
The electoral body also scheduled commencement of campaign for August 19, 2026 (Presidential/National Assembly); Presidential and National Assembly elections for Saturday, January 16, 2027; and Governorship and State House of Assembly elections for Saturday, February 6, 2027
To safeguard lives and infrastructure, Proton Security urged
Nationwide vigilance, and treating the election cycle as a high-risk national period.
It further advised businesses and individuals to integrate security risk audits and employee movement plans into their operations as well as implementing whole day monitoring and electronic security systems for critical assets.
