President Bola Tinubu has declared April 7 as National Police Day.
Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made this declaration on Monday night during the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations ceremony held in the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
Tinubu emphasized a complete overhaul of institutional mentality and memory of police officers as fundamental in his administration’s ongoing bid to reposition the force into a modern, professional and accountable institution.
The president noted that his goverment had introduced wide-ranging reforms to breath new life into the nation’s police force since assuming office in 2023.
He then identified the need to engage men and women of the force in training and capacity-building to equip them with the expertise required to carry out the arduous task of modern policing.
Tinubu equally noted that the Federal Government had approved the first week of April as police week and the last day of the week as the National Police Day.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, in our tradition of honouring 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 7th, is hereby declared National Police Day in Nigeria.
“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 humanise you.
“At a time in Nigeria’s history, when the nation’s security architecture is being stretched beyond elastic limits, the citizens have been able to endure in the face of security threats as well as attacks on their lives and livelihoods due to the commitment of the police.
“Your exemplary valour doesn’t only represent the pinnacle of patriotism that binds us but also instils confidence that brighter days lie just beyond the horizon,” he said.
Part of the comprehensive reforms listed by the president in his administration to modernize the police force include investment in training and capacity-building.
