President Bola Tinubu has declared April 7 as National Police Day.

Tinubu made the declaration at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations ceremony in Abuja on Monday night.

The president identified a complete overhaul of institutional mentality and memory of police officers as fundamental in his administration’s ongoing bid to transform the force into a modern, professional and accountable institution

Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, said his administration has initiated wide-ranging reforms to revitalise the nation’s police since assuming office in 2023.

He, therefore, stressed the need to engage police officers in training and capacity-building to equip them with the expertise required to carry out the arduous task of modern policing.

President Tinubu also disclosed that the Federal Government has approved the first week of April as police week and the last day of the week as National Police Day.

Tinubu said: “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.

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“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.”

The president listed part of the comprehensive reforms by his administration to rejuvenate the police force to include investment in training and capacity-building.

“My administration will ensure that police officers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, values and expertise required to tackle the complex challenges of modern policing.”

The president further assured that the government would upgrade the equipment and technology of the force to enhance its operational effectiveness and efficiency.

Also speaking at the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for recognising the hard work, resilience, and patriotism of police officers.

The Star