By Uloma Peace Okorie
The Nigeria Police Force on Monday held the grand finale of the 2026 National Police Day celebration with a colourful parade and procession at the Eagle Square, showcasing personnel drawn from various units, formations, and commands of the Force.
The ceremonial parade featured officers of the Nigeria Police Force alongside other security and paramilitary agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, reflecting strengthened inter-agency collaboration in addressing national security challenges.
The event was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Also present were Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Ahmad Abdulhamid Malam Madori; Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Dr. Wale Ahmed; Executive Secretary, Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu; Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed; Commandant General, NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi; as well as former Inspectors-General of Police, including MD Abubakar, Ogbonna Onovo, Mike Okiro, and Suleiman Abba, among other senior government officials and security chiefs.
In his remarks as Reviewing Officer, President Tinubu, represented by the Vice President, commended the Nigeria Police Force for its dedication and resilience in safeguarding the nation. He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening police reforms, improving operational capacity, and enhancing personnel welfare in line with national security priorities.
In his address, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, described National Police Day as a moment to honour fallen heroes and reinforce the values of discipline, professionalism, and service. He emphasized the need for a more accountable, intelligence-driven, and community-focused Police Force, assuring Nigerians of continued efforts to strengthen public trust and improve policing standards nationwide.
Activities marking the 2026 National Police Day celebration included a nationwide walkathon, community service initiatives, medical outreach programmes, public sensitization campaigns, and presentation of welfare cheques to families of fallen officers, all aimed at strengthening police-community relations and enhancing personnel welfare.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to professionalism, service excellence, and the protection of lives and property as it continues to reposition itself to effectively meet the security aspirations of the nation.