President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a renewed Federal Government commitment to strengthen the Nigeria Police Force through increased investment in training, intelligence gathering, modern equipment, and improved welfare for personnel.
The President made the declaration on Tuesday during the National Police Day Grand Parade and Procession at Eagle Square, where he reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to transform the Police into a world-class institution capable of addressing Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said no country can achieve meaningful development without a secure environment, stressing that government has a “permanent moral duty” to empower security agencies.
“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,” the President said.
He added that the administration is determined to build a Police Force that is well-equipped, well-trained, and well-motivated to confront the complex security realities of the present time.
Tinubu also paid tribute to officers who continue to serve under difficult and often dangerous conditions, noting that the nation must never take their sacrifices for granted.
“Every nation is only as safe as those who keep vigil while others sleep,” he stated.
The President further said his administration’s vision is to build a policing institution anchored on excellence, accountability, courage, and service, while restoring public confidence in law enforcement.
Tinubu Unveils Fresh Police Reform Drive, Vows More Investment in Training, Intelligence, Technology,
IGP Disu Declares ‘A New Era’ for Policing
In his first national address since assuming office, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, described the occasion as a defining moment for the future of policing in Nigeria.
Disu said the inaugural National Police Day is more than a ceremonial event, describing it as a “moment of truth” to honour sacrifice, reflect honestly, and recommit to reforming the Police Force.
He thanked President Tinubu for institutionalising the annual celebration, saying the gesture reflects confidence in the Police Force’s ability to reform, improve, and serve Nigerians better.
The IGP paid emotional tribute to fallen officers, describing them as men and women who gave their lives in service to the nation.
“They did not die for applause. They did not die for recognition. They died for duty. For country. For all of us,” Disu said.
He assured families of deceased officers that their sacrifices would not be remembered only during ceremonies, but through a stronger commitment to professionalism and service standards.
Zero Tolerance for Misconduct
Addressing serving personnel across the country, Disu issued a stern warning against indiscipline, abuse of power, and misconduct within the Force.
“Rank will not shield wrongdoing. Uniform will never excuse abuse. Authority will never override the rule of law. There will be no sacred cows,” he declared.
He said accountability under his leadership would be firm, fair, and without exception, while also promising stronger institutional support for officers who uphold professionalism and do what is right.
According to him, improving officers’ welfare, strengthening their capacity, and ensuring they are properly equipped remain central to building a respected and professional police institution.
Police to Be Intelligence-Led, Technology-Driven
Disu said the Nigeria Police Force is already taking concrete steps to modernise operations through new internal disciplinary mechanisms, public accountability systems, technology deployment, and stronger community engagement.
He said the Force is building a model of policing that is:
• Intelligence-led
• Technology-driven
• Community-focused
• Rights-conscious
• Professionally accountable
“We are building a Police Force that is intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-focused. We will strengthen our investigative capacity, modernise our operations, and deploy innovation to combat modern crime,” he said.
The IGP stressed that the future of policing in Nigeria must be based not on force alone, but on intelligence, professionalism, and respect for human rights.
Call for Public Trust and Partnership
Disu also acknowledged growing public distrust between the Police and citizens, assuring Nigerians that the Force is committed to rebuilding confidence through better conduct and stronger partnerships with communities.
“You will see a Police Force that is more accountable, more professional, more disciplined, and more human. A Police Force that does not intimidate but protects,” he said.
He added that security remains a shared responsibility, noting that the Police cannot succeed without public support and collaboration.
The IGP extended appreciation to the Armed Forces, other security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society groups, and the media for their continued roles in national security and accountability.
He also commended corporate partners and sponsors for supporting this year’s Police Day celebrations, describing the partnership between the Force and the private sector as a model of shared responsibility in nation-building.
‘Reform Over Rhetoric’
In a strong closing note, Disu declared that the Nigeria Police Force is entering a new era where integrity, discipline, service, and public trust will define its identity.
“Let history record that at this moment, we chose courage over complacency. We chose reform over rhetoric. We chose service over self,” he said.
The National Police Day event marks a significant symbolic and policy moment for the Nigeria Police Force, with both the Presidency and the Force leadership signalling a more aggressive push toward institutional reform, operational modernisation, and improved public accountability.
