As Nigeria prepares to mark the second National Police Day 2026, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Akoh Benedict Gabriel, says the Nigeria Police Force policy direction under the leadership of IGP Olatunji Disu is anchored on community partnership and trust-building.
In an exclusive interview with Voice of Nigeria, the Assistant Inspector General of Police said the 2026 commemoration reflects the vision of IGP Olatunji Disu to reposition the Force as people-centered and service-driven which is central to ongoing police reforms.
“The outlook for the second National Police Day as specified by the theme of the 2026 National Police Day is Community Partnership, Building Trust. We want to align with the vision of the IG, the 23rd Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu of giving the people the leadership of the police, making the people to realise that the police is for them,” he said.
He stated that the reform agenda is focused on deepening public ownership and community participation in policing.
“They own the police, we are to serve them. So, that is why we are trying to build this partnership and build trust for the community to realise that they are the police, they own the police and we are to serve them,” the AIG stated.
Addressing concerns about public perception, AIG Gabriel called for collective efforts to bridge the trust gap.
“I am aware that there is a trust gap between the police and the public. So, we are in a journey and the destination is to bridge that gap. Everybody is invited to be on board for us to resolve this issue, because we cannot serve them if we do not get their trust,” he said.
On the significance of the celebration, he noted its elevation to national prominence following presidential approval.
He said, “There is a presidential proclamation establishing the National Police Day, which is statistically fixed for 7th April every year and it has been gazetted. So, it is a must for it to be celebrated.”
He added that the event is expected to grow in scope and inclusiveness over time. “We hope in the future it will be more elaborate and more inclusive.”
The vision of Nigeria’s 23rd indigenous Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu is rooted in a policy-driven commitment to community-oriented policing, professionalism, and sustained trust-building between the police and the public.
It prioritises community partnership, accountability, and proactive policing, while promoting a service-based ethos within the Force through a people-centered and intelligence-led approach, anchored on active collaboration with communities to enhance security outcomes and restore public confidence.