From Victor Osula, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has pledged to deepen investment in police training, intelligence gathering, and modern law enforcement systems, as part of a comprehensive plan to transform the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) into a world-class institution.
Speaking through his Vice President, Kashim Shettima, at the National Police Day Grand Parade and Procession in Abuja, President Tinubu emphasized that no nation can make meaningful progress without a secure social environment.
“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,” he stated.
Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, said President Tinubu acknowledged the unique burdens shouldered by police officers.
“While history chooses to reward certain professions with applause, there are others upon which civilisation depends to survive, even when their labour is too often repaid with silence,” he said, adding that the nation cannot afford to take the sacrifices of police officers for granted.
“Every nation is only as safe as those who keep vigil while others sleep,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of empowering law enforcement, the President stated: “Nigeria must strengthen those who protect the nation. Security is not simply the defence of territory or the prevention of crime. It is the first currency of progress.”
He noted that the institutionalisation of National Police Day last year reflects the Federal Government’s deliberate recognition of police officers’ sacrifices.
Tinubu reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening the force through concrete policy actions, sustained investment, and improved welfare.
Paying tribute to officers who lost their lives in service, the President described their sacrifice as part of Nigeria’s enduring moral inheritance:
“Their sacrifice is written into the conscience of our country. Their memory must remain a lamp to those who wear this uniform today and to those who will wear it tomorrow. To their families, I extend the profound gratitude of a grateful nation.”
He commended serving officers for their resilience and dedication in maintaining law and order across the country, often under difficult and dangerous conditions, while urging them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, and fidelity to the rule of law.
“The uniform you wear is not a licence for arbitrariness; it is a covenant of service. The badge on your chest is not an ornament of power; it is a reminder of duty,” he emphasized, also calling for stronger collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies.
President Tinubu stressed the importance of community-centred policing as a democratic necessity:
“When citizens and law enforcement stand on opposite sides of suspicion, insecurity thrives.
This is why community-centred policing is essential to building trust, ensuring accountability, and safeguarding lives and property.”
Reaffirming his administration’s vision, President Tinubu said the goal is to build a police institution that embodies excellence, courage, accountability, and service, while restoring public confidence in law enforcement.
In his address, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, expressed appreciation for the President’s approval of the National Police Day, describing it as a commitment to both fallen and serving officers.
He urged the force to rise above indiscipline, misconduct, and actions that could tarnish the NPF’s reputation.
“The police are deeply aware of the expectations and concerns of the Nigerian people.
“Every officer must uphold the highest standards of professionalism while protecting citizens, maintaining law and order, and safeguarding the dignity of the uniform,” IGP Disu said.
The National Police Day Grand Parade and Procession in Abuja was attended by top government officials, police personnel, and members of the public, marking a renewed chapter in the nation’s quest to build a modern, efficient, and community-focused policing system.
