President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating a Nigeria Police Force that is highly trained, motivated, and equipped with modern tools and technology to effectively combat crime.

This is even as he emphasised his administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance the police force, including the provision of advanced equipment, accessible healthcare, quality education for police families, and improved accommodations to strengthen personnel welfare.

He stated this Monday during the maiden edition of the National Police Day celebrations which climaxed a week-long activities to mark the 2025 Police Week at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

The President had formally announced the institutionalisation of April 7 every year as National Police Day to honour fallen heroes of the force and also acknowledge the heroics of its personnel.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, he said this has become necessary to ensure the nation’s security forces are constantly “steps ahead of those who threaten the peace, welfare, and prosperity” of the nation.

According to a statement issued by the Vice President’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, President Tinubu declared: “As President, I reaffirm this administration’s steadfast dedication to the welfare and empowerment of the Nigeria Police Force. A secure Nigeria is vital for our collective prosperity, and this vision begins with ensuring that our police force is well-equipped, well-trained, and well-motivated.

“We are resolute in our commitment to police welfare and comprehensive reform. To that end, let me assure you that the Federal Government of Nigeria will institutionalise 7th April as an annual celebration of National Police Day, cementing its place in our national calendar and demonstrating our enduring appreciation for the Nigeria Police Force.”

On decisive steps to improve the police, President Tinubu said: “In this light, we are taking decisive steps to improve the conditions under which our police officers serve. Adequate housing, accessible healthcare, and quality education for your children are priorities we are committed to fulfilling.

“These promises will begin to materialise immediately. We are also determined to equip you with modern tools and technology to enhance your effectiveness in combating crime. Furthermore, we will ensure that your salaries and benefits reflect the gravity of your responsibilities and the risks you face daily. Anything less would be unacceptable,” he stated.

President Tinubu assured Nigerians that his government “will leave no stone unturned in ensuring effective policing, the safety of lives and property, and the resolution of internal security challenges such as banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping,” maintaining that the administration remains resolute in its mission to restore peace and security across all regions of the country.

Emphasising the role of the Nigeria Police Force, he described the force as a cornerstone of the nation’s security, the first line of defence against crime, even as he maintained that the police are protectors of the nation’s democracy and the custodians of citizens’ safety.

“Your role is indispensable, and your contributions are immeasurable. Why have we established National Police Day? The answer is straightforward. This day serves to highlight your invaluable service and to honour the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

“To their families, we extend our deepest condolences and our unwavering commitment to preserving their legacy. Let it be clear: 7th April is not merely a date on the calendar. It is a symbol of our enduring partnership and respect for the Nigeria Police Force—a day firmly entrenched in our national consciousness,” President Tinubu added.

He commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, and his team for what he described as “their remarkable work in advancing reforms aligned with” his administration’s goals, noting that the dedication and commitment of the leadership of the force “are paving the way for a police force that all Nigerians can take pride in.”

Earlier,  Egbetokun, said beyond commemoration of the day of the establishment of the Nigeria Police Force, the National Police Day offers opportunity to remember fallen heroes and also acknowledge the heroics of men and women of the Police in theatres of operation across the country and beyond.

The IGP said the day also provides a platform to emphasize the renewed call for excellence, professionalism, and respect for human rights, among other virtues that the new police force embodies.

He highlighted the reform agenda of the police force under his leadership, noting that the reforms are hinged on building a force that commands trust and professionalism, enforces justice and promotes national development through enhanced security and policing of the country.

The highpoints of the event were the inspection of the guard by the Vice President, procession by tactical units and other security organisations, and the silent drill display by officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

Also present at the event were the Governor of Kwara State, Alhaji AbdulRazaq Abdulrahman; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon Makki Yallemen and other members of the National Assembly; Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa and other Service Chiefs.

Others include Deputy Governors of Delta, Ondo and Enugu States; heads of security and paramilitary organisations; representatives of the Minister of Police Affairs, the Police Service Commission, former Inspectors General of Police and retired senior police officers, among others.

The Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum and Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passage of the Second Republic Governor of Oyo State, Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo.

He said the death of former Governor Olunloyo, a renowned mathematician and scholar, who died a few days before his 90th birthday, was a great loss to Oyo State and the people of Ibadan in particular and South-West and Nigeria as a whole.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Sunday, sympathised with his Oyo State counterpart, Engr Seyi Makinde; the deceased’s family, friends and associates, urged them to take heart as the late Olunloyo lived a fulfilled life.

The chairman of the South-West Governors Forum described the late Olunloyo, who governed Oyo State between October 1 and December 31, 1983, as a seasoned administrator, mathematician and scholar of high repute and a renowned technocrat who distinguished himself as a genius and intellectual during his lifetime.

He said: “On behalf of my family, the government and people of Lagos State, as well as the South-West Governors Forum, I commiserate with my brother, Governor Seyi Makinde, and the government and people of Oyo State on the death of Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo.

“I also sympathise with immediate family of the deceased, sons and daughters of Ibadan, the extended Olunloyo family, and deceased friends and associates over the departure of the accomplished scholar.

“Dr Omololu Olunloyo was more than a politician and governor. He was a man of many parts who distinguished himself in both private and public sectors, particularly in the education sector as a mathematician, scholar and the first Rector of Ibadan Polytechnic.

“He was Commissioner for Economic Development for the Western Region in 1962 at the age of 27 and later served as Commissioner for Community Development, Education (twice), Special Duties, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs before being elected as the Governor of Oyo State during the Second Republic.

“He served Oyo State passionately as Governor during his three months in office, contributing his quota to the growth and development of the State. He was also a political leader in Oyo State before his death.

“I pray that Almighty God be pleased with the soul of Dr Victor Omololu Olunloyo and grant the family and the people of Ibadan, Oyo State, and the South-West of Nigeria the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”