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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has promised to invest more resources in the Nigeria Police Force in the areas of training, intelligence gathering, and modern law enforcement systems.
The gesture, the President said, is part of a broader initiative by his administration to transform the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) into a world-class institution.
The President made this known at the National Police Day Grand Parade and Procession held at Eagle Square in Abuja.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the ceremony, President Tinubu emphasised that “no nation can make meaningful progress without a secure social environment.” He stated that the Nigerian government has a permanent moral duty to empower its security agencies.
He said the Federal Government would deepen investments in training, intelligence gathering, and modern policing infrastructure as part of his administration’s ongoing reform agenda.
“we will continue to support these reforms through sustained investment in training and capacity development, modern equipment and technology, improved intelligence and investigative capabilities, and better welfare and working conditions for police personnel.
“We are determined to build a Police Force that is well equipped, well trained, and well-motivated to confront the complex security challenges of our time.”
The President, while noting that history chooses to reward certain professions with applause, said there are others on which civilisation depends to survive, “even when their labour is too often repaid with silence.”
He acknowledged the burden of sacrifice being shouldered by the police force, stressing that the country cannot afford to take such sacrifice for granted because “every nation is only as safe as those who keep vigil while others sleep.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s vision of building a police institution that embodies excellence, accountability, courage, and service while restoring public confidence in law enforcement.
Earlier in his address, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, said that the police force, under his command, was deeply aware of the expectations and concerns of the Nigerian people, stating that the approval of President Tinubu for the commemoration of National Police Day was a commitment to the service of fallen and serving officers.
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He acknowledged the risks, sacrifices, and commitment of police officers nationwide, urging the NPF to rise above indiscipline, misconduct, and any actions that tarnish the image and reputation of the force.
IGP Disu pledged that the leadership of the force, under him, would stand firmly with every officer who follows the rules and serves with dignity, just as he assured the public of a more disciplined, accountable, and professional police force standing with the Nigerian people.
The IGP noted that the current management of the police force “is building an institution that is not only intelligence-led but committed to professionalism in all ramifications”.
Disu, who paid glowing tributes to the fallen officers, said, “Today, we bow our heads in honour of our fallen heroes. Men and women who left their homes in uniform and never returned. Men who kissed their children goodbye, not knowing it would be the last time. Women who stood their ground in the face of danger, so others could sleep in peace. They did not die for applause. They did not die for recognition. They died for duty. For the country. For all of us.
He said, “Every life lost in service is a debt on our conscience. Every fallen officer is a call to do better. To be better. To serve better. To their families, I say this: Your sacrifice is not invisible. Your pain is not ignored. Under my leadership, your loved ones will not be remembered only in ceremonies, but in the standards we uphold every single day.
He counselled serving personnel of the force to make discipline, accountability, and dedication to duty their watchwords, saying that connection or rank would not save any erring personnel from being sanctioned.
He said, “To the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force across our country, I speak to you today not just as your Inspector-General, but as one of you. I know the risks you take. I know the sacrifices you make. I know the pressures you face. I salute your courage. I recognise your dedication. But I must also speak with clarity, because this moment demands honesty: The Nigeria Police Force must rise. We must rise above indiscipline. We must rise above misconduct. We must rise above every action that diminishes the honour of this uniform.
“Let me be unequivocal: Rank will not shield wrongdoing. Uniform will never excuse abuse. Authority will never override the rule of law. There will be no sacred cows. Accountability under my leadership will be firm, fair, and without exception.
“And let me say this with equal clarity: This leadership will stand firmly with every officer who does what is right. We will improve your welfare. We will strengthen your capacity. We will equip you properly. Because a respected and professional Police Force must be built on officers who are supported, trained, and treated with dignity.
The grand finale of the 2026 National Police Day celebration featured a march past, procession, and tactical displays by various police units and cadets of the Police Academy.
Also present at the event were the Deputy Governors of Nasarawa and Ebonyi states; representatives of the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives; service chiefs; former IGPs Ogbonnaya Onovo, Mohammed Abubakar, Kayode Egbetokun, Suleiman Abba, Usman Alkali Baba; the President of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) and members of the association; senior government officials; and members of the diplomatic corps, among others.
