Your uniform not license for arbitrariness, Tinubu tells police officers

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

Says, to make meaningful progress, Nigeria must strengthen those protecting the nation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday charged officers on Nigeria Police Force to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, fairness and fidelity to the rule of law.

The President gave the charge while speaking at at the National Police Day Grand Parade and Procession in Abuja.

President Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima maintained that effective policing must be rooted in trust and community partnership.

“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,” President Tinubu declared, even as he demanded stronger collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies

“When citizens and law enforcement stand on opposite sides of suspicion, insecurity thrives. This is why community-centred policing is a democratic necessity.”

Tinubu also disclosed plans to deepen investment in police training, intelligence gathering, and modern law enforcement systems, as part of a broader plan to transform the Nigeria Police Force into a world-class institution.

He said the Nigerian state owes a permanent moral duty to empower its security agencies, as the nation’s peace is only as secure as the men and women who keep vigil over its citizens.

Accordingly, he declared that the Federal Government would deepen investments in training, intelligence gathering and modern policing infrastructure as part of his administration’s ongoing reform agenda.

“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.

“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 stated

The Nigerian leader observed that while history chooses to reward certain professions with applause, there are others which civilisation depend on to survive, “even when their labour is too often repaid with silence.”

He acknowledged the burden of sacrifice being shouldered by the police force, stressing that the country cannot afford to take such a sacrifice for granted because “every nation is only as safe as those who keep vigil while others sleep.”

Underscoring the need to empower the force, President Tinubu said, “Nigeria must strengthen those who protect the nation. Security is not simply the defence of territory or the prevention of crime. It is the first currency of progress.”

He noted that the observance of National Police Day, institutionalised last year, reflects the Federal Government’s deliberate recognition of the sacrifices made by police officers, adding that the administration remains resolute in strengthening the Police 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 inheritance.

His words: “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. To their families, I extend the profound gratitude of a grateful nation.”

The Nigerian leader commended serving officers for their resilience and dedication in maintaining law and order across the country, often under difficult and dangerous conditions.

The President reaffirmed the administration’s vision of building a police institution that embodies excellence, accountability, courage and service, while restoring public confidence in law enforcement.

In his address, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, said the police force, under his command, is deeply aware of expectations and concerns by the Nigerian people, stating that the approval of President Tinubu’s for the commemoration of the National Police Day is a commitment to the service of fallen and serving officers.

He acknowledged the risks, sacrifices and commitment of police officers nationwide, urging the NPF to rise above indiscipline, misconduct and every action that tarnishes the image and reputation of the force.

IGP Disu pledged that the leadership of the force, under him, will stand firmly with every officer that follows the rules, serving with dignity, just as he assured the public of a more disciplined, accountable and professional police force, standing with the Nigerian people.

The IGP noted that the current management of the police force is building an institution that is not only intelligence led but committed to professionalism in all ramifications.

In separate goodwill messages, the representatives of Wema Bank and Premium Trust Bank, paid glowing tributes to the police force for its contributions to safety and security, pledging their support for the delivery of professional policing services across the country, through their platforms and services.

The grand finale of the 2026 National Police Day celebration featured march past, procession and tactical displays by various police units and cadets of the Police Academy.

Also present at the event were the Deputy Governors of Nasarawa and Ebonyi States; representatives of the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives; service chiefs; former IGPs, Ogbonnaya Onovo, Mohammed Abubakar, Kayode Egbetokun, Suleiman Abba, Usman Alkali Baba; President of the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) and members of the association; senior government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps, among others.