The Nigeria Police Force has formally concluded the 15th Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA) “Asaba 2026” with Force Headquarters emerging overall champion at the week-long sporting event held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State. Zone 2 Lagos finished second, while Zone 9 secured third position in the final standings.
The tournament, which drew commands and formations from across the country, combined competitive athletics with institutional messaging on discipline, operational readiness, and unity within the Force.
Police authorities said the Games are designed to go beyond medal competition, stressing that physical fitness, teamwork, and resilience are directly linked to effective policing and improved service delivery, particularly amid growing public scrutiny of law enforcement standards.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, described BIPOGA Asaba 2026 as a “defining institutional moment where competition revealed character.” He noted that the event had evolved from a routine sporting gathering into a powerful demonstration of cohesion and shared purpose.
“For days, Asaba became a theatre of excellence where discipline met determination and preparation met opportunity,” the IGP said in his closing remarks. “What we witnessed was more than athletic performance; it was resilience under pressure, unity in diversity, and professionalism throughout these Games.”
He emphasised that the theme of the tournament, “Unity and Excellence Beyond the Badge,” was reflected in the conduct of participants, adding that respect for opponents, dignity in both victory and defeat, and adherence to rules underscored the professionalism of the Force.
The police chief added that excellence in sports strengthens operational readiness, stating that physical discipline translates to sharper responses in field operations and enhanced public service.
According to him, the 2026 edition marked the second BIPOGA under his tenure and showed measurable progress in organisation, participation, and competitive standards. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to identify and recruit elite athletes into the Force, noting that several young police athletes are already representing Nigeria at regional and international levels.
Egbetokun reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to expanding the initiative in line with the planned recruitment of 50,000 police constables, saying the approach would deliver both sporting excellence and strengthened national security capacity.
He paid tribute to officers across the country who were unable to participate due to operational duties, describing their sacrifices as critical to sustaining peace and enabling national events.
The Inspector-General also commended the Delta State Government for hosting the Games, noting that the state demonstrated capacity, organisation, and hospitality. He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for continued support toward police welfare, institutional development, and capacity building.
The closing ceremony featured football finals, a frisbee demonstration, tug-of-war, and 4×100 metre relay races. Games by Invitesmd sister agencies and a concert also formed part of the festivities.
Declaring the Games closed, Delta State Deputy Governor, Monday John Onyeme, praised the participants for displaying discipline and dedication, while reaffirming the state’s commitment to sports as a tool for youth engagement, unity, and national development.
Police authorities expressed confidence that the unity and resilience displayed during the Games would translate into improved collaboration and professionalism in day-to-day policing across the country.
However, SpyeTV Defenceand Security Correspondent, Olayemi Esan who covered the BIPOGA Asaba 2026 reports that the true impact of such initiatives will ultimately be measured by sustained improvements in operational effectiveness and public trust in law enforcement.
