The Nigeria Police Force has formally opened the 15th Biennial Police Games (BIPOGA 2026) at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, reaffirming its commitment to physical fitness, teamwork, professionalism, and national cohesion as essential pillars of effective policing.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Ag. ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a press statement, noting that the colourful opening ceremony drew an array of distinguished personalities from across the country. The Special Guest of Honour, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was represented by the Honourable Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd).
The event was also attended by the host Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori; the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; and several former Inspectors-General of Police, including Suleiman Abba (Rtd), Ogbonnaya Onovo (Rtd), Mohammed D. Abubakar (Rtd), and Mike Mbama Okiro (Rtd).
Other dignitaries present included the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd), represented by DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd); heads of sister security agencies; senior Delta State government officials; and the President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Elizabeth Egbetokun.
In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori commended the Nigeria Police Force for its sustained dedication to safeguarding lives and property. He acknowledged the sacrifices of police officers and described their efforts as critical to strengthening peace, stability, and public confidence in the country.
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, while welcoming guests and participating athletes, described the Games as more than a sporting tradition. According to him, BIPOGA serves as a strategic platform to enhance operational readiness, resilience, teamwork, and character development among officers.
He noted that the 15th edition builds on the successes of previous editions, including Ibadan 2024, and reflects the Force’s enduring commitment to talent discovery, unity, and institutional pride. The IGP charged all athletes to compete with excellence, discipline, and integrity while upholding the highest standards of professionalism.
The Games, which began as an athletics championship in the 1940s and became a biennial event from Bauchi ’86, have produced several world-class athletes who brought honour to Nigeria. These include DCP Chioma Ajunwa-Opara (Rtd); the late ACP Sam Igun; late ACP Sunday Oyarekhua; Adamu Musa; Ikpoto Eseme; Anthony Oyakhire; Mamman Makama; late SP Sunday Bada; SP Samuel Peters; SP Loveth-Patra Ekufu; DSP Kikelomo Ajayi, among others who excelled at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and continental competitions.
The 15th edition of BIPOGA features a record 37 sporting events cutting across athletics, football, boxing, wrestling, swimming, taekwondo, weightlifting, volleyball, shooting sports, cycling, and mixed martial arts.
The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed that it will continue to leverage sports as a tool to promote officer wellness, enhance operational preparedness, and strengthen professionalism in line with global best practices in modern policing.
