In a landmark announcement, President Bola Tinubu has proclaimed April 7 to be National Police Day, a declaration made public during the inaugural Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations ceremony at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, represented the President at the event.
President Tinubu emphasized the critical need for a paradigm shift in the mindset and culture of the police force, underscoring this as a cornerstone of his administration’s efforts to modernize and bring accountability to the institution.
Since taking office in 2023, his government has embarked on extensive reforms aimed at rejuvenating the national police force.
Highlighting the importance of continuous professional development, President Tinubu underscored the commitment to providing police personnel with comprehensive training and capacity-building programs.
These initiatives are designed to arm them with the necessary skills to meet the demands of contemporary law enforcement.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, in our tradition of honouring the Police Force in the life of this great nation, we have approved the adoption of the first week of April as Police Week.
“Furthermore, the last day of the week, April 7th, is hereby declared National Police Day in Nigeria.
“Tonight, I must remind you that we don’t see you as just the shields of the nation, we don’t see you as robots.
“This is why we are here; we are here to humanise you.
“At a time in Nigeria’s history, when the nation’s security architecture is being stretched beyond elastic limits, the citizens have been able to endure in the face of security threats as well as attacks on their lives and livelihoods due to the commitment of the police.
“Your exemplary valour doesn’t only represent the pinnacle of patriotism that binds us but also instils confidence that brighter days lie just beyond the horizon.”
“My administration will ensure that police officers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, and expertise required to tackle the complex challenges of modern policing.”
“This includes acquiring fit-for-purpose equipment, weapons, ammunition, and armoured carriers to provide cover and protection for officers in combat situations.
“These endeavours will be supported by suitable measures to enhance the status of our officers and personnel both during their service and after retirement,” President Tinubu said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio lauded the efforts of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for acknowledging the diligence, resilience, and patriotism of the police personnel.
“The leadership of the police understands the role of the police force in a democratic dispensation.
“I commend the Inspector-General of Police and the police officers for their work of sacrifice and for maintaining peace and order in our communities.
“As we commend the good officers, let us weed out the bad ones among the force as, to whom much is given, much is expected,” Akpabio said.
