The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to reform, rebuild public confidence, and enhance professionalism as preparations intensify for the second edition of National Police Day, themed ‘Community Partnership, Building Trust’.
In an exclusive interview with Voice of Nigeria in Abuja, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, anchored his policy thrust on continuity, accountability, and improvement.
“We want to continue to do what we are doing, doing it better. We want to be loved by Nigerians. We want to end impunity.”
Placing citizens at the centre of policing, he reinforced a people-focused doctrine.
“Every member of the Nigerian Police Force must see every citizen as a boss and work towards protecting every citizen of this country.”
On the delicate balance between enforcement and trust, the IGP underscored the need for a sustained symbiotic relationship with communities while prioritising welfare reforms.
“We know that we are working in difficult conditions, and we want to ensure that we augment their living conditions. We are working towards improving the welfare of police officers. We intend to make their lives better because every day they are on duty.”
“Members of the Nigerian Police Force no longer have morning duty, afternoon duty or night duty; we do almost 24 hours, day in, day out, and a lot of them are dying, and a lot of them are falling sick. We want to ensure that we reduce this as much as possible.” He said
To officers, his message embodied resilience and purpose.
“I want them to have it at the back of their mind that the job is difficult, which we all know, but they should continue to put fortitude into it, continue to do it, and continue to work hard. People are seeing what they are doing, and the top is just waiting for them.”
To citizens, he delivered a firm but reassuring message:
“I want them to know that we will not allow police officers to oppress them. We will not allow what is not supposed to happen to happen to our police officers. At the same time, I want to let them know that we will not take it kindly if anybody harasses our police officers. They are working to keep us safe, and they should, as much as possible, cooperate with us.”
Echoing this direction, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, highlighted a shift toward proactive, rights-based policing.
“Members of the public should be reassured that the police are counting on their trust and confidence in order to perform and serve them. We intend to serve with integrity and move policing from reactive to proactive policing. We also intend to protect, serve, and promote their human rights.”
From leadership reforms and welfare improvements to gender inclusion and community partnership, the Force under IGP Disu stands at a defining crossroads—seeking not only to protect but also to rebuild trust and redefine service.
A notable highlight of this year’s commemoration is the rising visibility of women in policing.
For Commissioner of Police, Hauwa Ibrahim, the day represents both a showcase and a commitment to progress.
“It is actually a day that the Nigerian Police Force showcases its strength, policing styles and the equipment they use in policing the community in the course of its policing service. We are always aiming to build trust between the police and the community to show the community that we are partners. We are saying that we are not failing them. We are going to do better, more better as the time goes on.”
She urged greater dedication among female officers:
“My expectation for the women in the Nigerian police is more effort, commitment, and determination. We have said that what men do, women do it even better. So we need to show resilience, and we will continue to do it, and one day we will produce a woman inspector general of police.”
FCT Police PRO, Josephine Adeh, captured the momentum.
“You can see this year we have more women’s divisions. We are having ourselves presented in a way because mostly it is the men. One day we are going to get women police officers in a prominent office more than what we have now.”
Reflecting on sacrifice and service, Orvenonne Ikwen described the moment as solemn.
“It is a solemn moment for us to reflect on our service to Nigeria. It reminds us of our fallen heroes, so it is a solemn moment for us to reflect on our core duties as police officers because, indeed, for you to be a police officer, it means you have sacrificed yourselves to serve your country.”
On progress, she added: “Last year we celebrated 70 years of female police officers in Nigeria, and this year we are having a second edition of National Police Day. As we speak, we already have a DIG in the FCID, DIG Margaret Ochalla, who is already amongst the force management team. So it already shows that indeed we are moving forward.”
As Nigeria marks its second National Police Day on April 7, 2026, the message is unmistakable: reform is not rhetoric but a responsibility anchored in trust, dignity, and a shared vision of people-centered policing.