President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to partner with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security agencies to effectively tackle insecurity across the country.
Tinubu said national safety could not be achieved by law enforcement agencies alone, stressing the need for citizens, community leaders and institutions to actively support policing efforts.
President Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, made the call at the 2026 National Police Day Grand Parade in Abuja on Tuesday.
The National Police Day is celebrated annually on April 7. The day is meant to honour the service, sacrifice, and dedication of police officers, including those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
Tinubu stated that, “The safety of a nation cannot be outsourced to uniforms alone. I call on all Nigerians, community leaders, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society, and the private sector to work closely with the police and other security agencies.
“When citizens and law enforcement stand on opposite sides of all suspicions, insecurity thrives. This is why, as a democratic necessity, the police must remain connected to the people, attentive to their concerns, respectful to their dignity, and responsive to their needs.”
The president also noted that Nigerians must begin to see the police as partners in maintaining peace and public safety, stating that, “the people in turn must see the police not as a distant force but as partners in the collective task of preserving peace.”
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has charged officers of the Nigeria Police Force To rise above indiscipline and misconduct, warning that accountability would be enforced without exception.
According to him, “The Nigeria Police Force must rise. We must rise above indiscipline. We must rise above misconduct. We must rise above every action that diminishes the honour of this uniform.
“Let me be unequivocal: Rank will not shield wrongdoing. Uniform will never excuse abuse. Authority will never override the rule of law. There will be no sacred cows. Accountability under my leadership will be firm, fair, and without exception.”
On police welfare, the IGP assured officers that the police management would support personnel who uphold professionalism, while promising improvements in welfare and operational capacity.
He added that, “And let me say this with equal clarity: This leadership will stand firmly with every officer who does what is right. We will improve your welfare. We will strengthen your capacity. We will equip you properly. Because a respected and professional Police Force must be built on officers who are supported, trained, and treated with dignity.”
