President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to actively support security agencies, stressing that national safety depends on cooperation between citizens and law enforcement.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 2026 National Police Day Grand Parade in Abuja, the President said effective policing cannot be achieved without public collaboration.
“The safety of a nation cannot be outsourced to uniforms alone. I call on all Nigerians, community leaders, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society, and the private sector to work closely with the police and other security agencies,” he said.
He cautioned that distrust between the public and security agencies could deepen insecurity across the country.
“When citizens and law enforcement stand on opposite sides of all suspicions, insecurity thrives.
This is why, as a democratic necessity, the police must remain connected to the people, attentive to their concerns, respectful to their dignity, and responsive to their needs,” he said.
The President emphasised the need for a shift in public perception, urging Nigerians to view the police as partners in maintaining peace.
“And the people in turn must see the police not as a distant force but as partners in the collective task of preserving peace,” Tinubu said.
Addressing the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, Tinubu urged continued commitment to reforms, discipline, and professionalism.
“To the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, I charge you to remain resolute in your commitment to reform for every officer here today. I ask you to hold the highest standard of integrity, discipline, and service.
“Let your conduct reflect the honour of the uniform you wear, let your actions inspire confidence, let your service bring pride to the nation,” he added.
He expressed optimism that sustained reforms would help Nigeria overcome its security challenges.
“The road ahead may be long, but this nation is not stranded. So long as duty still answers when distress calls, and so long as we continue to choose reform… Nigeria shall continue to prevail,” he said.
The President also described National Police Day as a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to building a professional and accountable police force.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, warned officers against misconduct, stressing that accountability would be strictly enforced.
“The Nigeria Police Force must rise. We must rise above indiscipline. We must rise above misconduct. We must rise above every action that diminishes the honour of this uniform,” he said.
“Let me be unequivocal: Rank will not shield wrongdoing. Uniform will never excuse abuse. Authority will never override the rule of law. There will be no sacred cows. Accountability under my leadership will be firm, fair, and without exception,” the IG added.
Disu also assured officers of improved welfare and institutional support for professionalism.
“And let me say this with equal clarity: This leadership will stand firmly with every officer who does what is right. We will improve your welfare.
“We will strengthen your capacity. We will equip you properly. Because a respected and professional Police Force must be built on officers who are supported, trained, and treated with dignity,” he said.
