President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that Nigeria must guarantee a secure social environment to achieve meaningful progress, pledging increased investment in police training, intelligence gathering, and modern law enforcement systems.
The president noted that these efforts form part of a broader plan to transform the Nigeria Police Force into a world-class institution.
Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the second edition of the National Police Day in Abuja on Tuesday, emphasised that no nation can thrive without adequate security.
According to him, the Nigerian state has a moral obligation to empower its security agencies, stressing that the country’s peace is only as strong as those who safeguard it.
“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,” he said.
“We are determined to build a Police Force that is well-equipped, well-trained, and well-motivated to confront the complex security challenges of our time.”
The president observed that while some professions attract public recognition, others—like policing—are essential to the survival of society, even when their sacrifices go largely unnoticed.
He acknowledged the burden borne by police officers, warning that the nation cannot afford to take their sacrifices for granted.
“Every nation is only as safe as those who keep vigil while others sleep,” he added.
Tinubu stressed the need to strengthen the police, describing security as “the first currency of progress.”
He noted that the observance of National Police Day, institutionalised last year, reflects the Federal Government’s recognition of the sacrifices made by officers, adding that his administration remains committed to strengthening the force through concrete policy actions and sustained investment.
The president paid tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing their sacrifice as part of the nation’s enduring moral heritage.
“Their sacrifice is written into the conscience of our country. Their memory must remain a lamp to those who wear this uniform today and to those who will wear it tomorrow,” he said, extending condolences to their families.
Tinubu also commended serving officers for their resilience and dedication in maintaining law and order under difficult conditions, urging them to uphold professionalism, fairness, and respect for the rule of law.
“The uniform you wear is not a licence for arbitrariness; it is a covenant of service. The badge on your chest is not an ornament of power; it is a reminder of duty,” he stated.
He further called for stronger collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies, noting that effective policing must be rooted in trust and community partnership.
“When citizens and law enforcement stand on opposite sides of suspicion, insecurity thrives. This is why community-centred policing is a democratic necessity,” he said.
The president reaffirmed his administration’s vision of building a police institution defined by excellence, accountability, courage, and service, while restoring public confidence.
In separate goodwill messages, representatives of Wema Bank and Premium Trust Bank commended the police for their contributions to national security and pledged continued support for professional policing.
The grand finale of the 2026 National Police Day celebration featured a march past, procession, and tactical displays by various police units and cadets of the Police Academy.
Dignitaries at the event included deputy governors of Nasarawa and Ebonyi states, representatives of the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives, service chiefs, former Inspectors-General of Police, including Ogbonnaya Onovo, Mohammed Abubakar, Kayode Egbetokun, Suleiman Abba, and Usman Alkali Baba, as well as members of the diplomatic corps and other stakeholders.
