By Nkechi Eze
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged increased federal investment in training, intelligence gathering and modern law-enforcement systems as part of efforts to reposition the Nigeria Police Force as a world-class institution capable of tackling the country’s complex security challenges.
The President made the commitment on Tuesday at the National Police Day Grand Parade and Procession held at Eagle Square. He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu said a secure environment remains fundamental to national development, stressing that no country can achieve meaningful progress without guaranteeing the safety of its citizens. According to him, the Federal Government has a moral obligation to empower security agencies to perform their duties effectively.
He noted that the administration would intensify investments in training and capacity development for police personnel, alongside the deployment of modern equipment, improved intelligence systems and enhanced investigative capabilities. The President also assured that welfare and working conditions for officers would receive sustained attention.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu added that the goal of the reforms is to build a Police Force that is adequately equipped, properly trained and highly motivated to confront evolving security threats.
The President also reflected on the sacrifices made by police officers across the country, noting that while some professions attract public applause, others like policing carry enormous responsibility that often goes unrecognised.
He stressed that the nation must not take the sacrifices of security personnel for granted, adding that the safety of any country depends largely on those who remain vigilant while others rest.
Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a police institution defined by excellence, courage, accountability and service, while restoring public trust in law enforcement.
In his address, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, said the Police leadership was fully aware of the expectations and concerns of Nigerians.
He noted that the establishment of National Police Day by President Tinubu represents a recognition of the sacrifices of both fallen and serving police officers.
Disu paid tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing them as men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the nation.
“Today, we bow our heads in honour of our fallen heroes. Men and women who left their homes in uniform and never returned… They did not die for applause. They died for duty, for the country, for all of us,” he said.
The police chief urged officers nationwide to uphold discipline, professionalism and accountability, warning that misconduct would not be tolerated under his leadership.
He emphasised that rank or influence would not shield any erring officer from sanctions, declaring that accountability within the Force would be firm and without exception.
“Rank will not shield wrongdoing. Uniform will never excuse abuse. Authority will never override the rule of law. There will be no sacred cows,” the IGP stated.
Disu also assured officers who serve with integrity that the Police leadership would continue to improve their welfare, strengthen operational capacity and ensure they are properly equipped for their duties.
He explained that the current leadership of the Force is focused on building an intelligence-driven and professional policing institution capable of responding effectively to modern security challenges.
The grand finale of the 2026 National Police Day celebration featured a march past, ceremonial procession and tactical demonstrations by various police units as well as cadets of the Nigeria Police Academy.
Dignitaries at the event included deputy governors of Nasarawa and Ebonyi states, representatives of the leadership of the National Assembly, service chiefs, former Inspectors-General of Police including Ogbonnaya Onovo, Mohammed Abubakar, Kayode Egbetokun, Suleiman Abba and Usman Alkali Baba.
Also present were members of the Police Officers Wives Association, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and other invited guests.
