Tinubu declares April 7 National Police Day

President Bola Tinubu declared the first week of April as Police Week, with the last day, April 7, designated National Police Day.

He based this on the administration’s desire to commemorate the sacrifices of the men and women who serve the country through the decades-old institution.

Tinubu declared the new national day when he arrived as a special guest at the inaugural Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations ceremony at the Transcorp Hilton in Abuja on Monday.

He declared, “In our tradition of honoring the Police Force in the life of this great nation, we have approved the adoption of the first week of April as Police Week.

“Furthermore, the last day of the week, April 7, is hereby declared National Police Day in Nigeria.”

The President, who was represented by his Vice, Kashim Shettima, believes that a comprehensive makeover of police members’ institutional mentalities and memories is the most sustainable method to rebuild the Nigeria Police Force into a modern, professional, and accountable organization.

As a result, he stressed the importance of engaging force members in training and capacity-building to provide them with the competence needed to carry out the difficult task of modern policing.
Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Communications, confirmed this in a statement he signed late Monday titled, ‘We will transform Nigerian police into a modern, professional force—President Tinubu.’

Tinubu mentioned that his administration had been unequivocal about its resolve to transform the Nigeria Police Force into “a modern, professional, and accountable institution that mirrors the aspirations and values” of the nation.

He continued: “Our idea of a modern police force goes beyond superficial changes like repainting office buildings and residences or simply procuring firearms.

“True reform of our security doctrine and its architecture necessitates recognizing the importance of administering justice and adhering to our ethical values to foster stability and order in the nation.

“The transformation we seek must transcend mere policy and infrastructure; it requires a fundamental overhaul of our institutional mentality and memory.” He listed some of his administration’s comprehensive changes to reinvigorate the police force, including investments in training and capacity-building.

This, Tinubu argued, will ensure that police officers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, and expertise needed to face the complex challenges of modern policing, as well as that the government will upgrade equipment and technology to improve the force’s operational effectiveness and efficiency.

He added that such reforms include “acquiring fit-for-purpose equipment, weapons, ammunition, and armored carriers to provide cover and protection for officers in combat situations.”

“These endeavors will be supported by suitable measures to enhance the status of our officers and personnel both during their service and after retirement,” he added.

In his speech titled ‘Courage Under Fire: A Bouquet for Our Police Force,’ Tinubu reminded the policemen and women of their important role in the national fabric, saying, “Tonight, I must remind you that we don’t see you as just the shields of the nation. We don’t see you as robots. This is why we are here. We are here to humanize you.”

“Your exemplary valor doesn’t only represent the pinnacle of patriotism that binds us but also instills confidence that brighter days lie just beyond the horizon,” Tinubu added.