President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has disclosed that the Federal Government had approved the first week of April as police week and the last day of the week April 7 as National Police Day.
President Tinubu who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima made this known at the maiden edition of the award ceremony of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations held at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
He said the federal government has approved the first week of April as police week and the last day of the week as National Police Day to honour the Police Force in the life of this great nation adding that they have approved the adoption of the first week of April as Police Week.
“The last day of the week, the 7th of April, is declared National Police Day in Nigeria” he stressed
President Tinubu stated that a complete overhaul of the institutional mentality and memory of police officers is fundamental to his administration’s ongoing bid to transform the force into a modern, professional, and accountable institution.
He stressed the need to engage men and women of the force in training and capacity-building to equip them with the requisite expertise to carry out the arduous task of modern policing.
“This would ensure that police officers were equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, and expertise required to tackle the complex challenges of modern policing, and the government would upgrade equipment and technology to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency of the force.
“This includes acquiring fit-for-purpose equipment, weapons, ammunition, and armoured carriers to provide cover and protection for officers in combat situations, he noted.
Tinubu recalled that the nation’s security architecture was being stretched beyond elastic limits, and the citizens had 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,” President Tinubu said.
“Our idea of a modern police force goes beyond superficial changes like repainting office buildings and residences or simply procuring firearms.
“The transformation we seek must transcend mere policy and infrastructure; it requires a fundamental overhaul of our institutional mentality and memory” he added.
In his goodwill message, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for recognizing the hard work, resilience and patriotism of the officers and men of the police force.
In his remarks, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam stated that Nigerians must recognize and appreciate the hard work and commitment of brave men and women who selflessly serve the people of Nigeria.
The Minister pointed out that Service is at the heart of the law enforcement profession and Police officers dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others, often putting themselves in harm’s way to ensure the safety of their communities.
His words, “As we acknowledge the challenges and risks that our police officers face each day, we must also recognize the importance of supporting them in their mission.
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“Providing proper training, resources, and support systems for our officers is essential to ensuring their well-being and effectiveness in their roles”.
In his welcome address, Egbetokun applauded Tinubu for his support of the force, as well as his administration’s efforts in ensuring the nation’s security forces were up to their game and assured of their dedication, courage, and selflessness to the nation.
Meanwhile, fhe Rivers State commissioner of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu emerged winner of the Commissioner of Police of the Year award at the 2024 Nigeria Police Awards and Commendation Ceremony that took place at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja on Monday night.
CP Tunji Disu dubbed the ‘apolitical’ Rivers State Commissioner of Police, has recorded great success in his fight against crime in the state. despite the seemingly political imbroglio in Rivers state and kept his eyes on the ball to protect lives and properties
Within 5 months in office, the CP has been able to neutralize six notorious/wanted criminals in Rivers state including; Daddy Chukwu, 2Baba, John Togo (Pyrate Kingpin), Solution, and ending General 2Man’s reigns in the Ogbologbo community.
Disu was awarded alongside 15 other outstanding police officers based on the recommendations of the Nigeria Police Force Awards Committee headed by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Bala Ciroma
Also present at the ceremony were the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Lit-Gen. Taoreeh Lagbaja; among others.
“The Awards Night serves not only as a platform for celebration but also as a reminder of the importance of accountability and responsibility within law enforcement.”
Full list of award winners below:
1. CSP Odeyeyiwa Oladimeji – Crime Buster of the Year
2. Grade III Alabi Kayode – Traffic Warden of the Year
3. Corporal Abbey Yetunde – Police Sportsman of the Year
4. CP Muhammed Gumei – Community Policing Advocate of the Year
5. SP Haruna Abdullahi (Kano State PPRO) – Police Public Relations Officer of the Year
6. ACP Dere Olalekan (Medical Officer, Ondo State Command) – Police Medical Personnel of the Year
7. ASP Nnamdi Egbunike – Cyber Crime Buster of the Year
8. SP Kasumu Oluropo – Investigator of the Year
9. Inspector Onyia Everistus (State Criminal Investigation Department, Enugu Command) – Detective of the Year
10. Patrol Team from 40 PMF (Taraba Command) – Patrol Team of the Year
11. CSP Shaba Aliyu – Divisional Police Officer of the Year
12 ACP Muhammad Musa – Area Commander of the Year
13. ASP Madaki Emmanuel – Police Legal Officer of the Year
14. SP Elaigwu Augustine (Commander, Counter-Insurgency/Joint Operation FOB, Aguata Anambra Command) – Award For Gallantry
15. SP Idris Ibrahim, SP Okoi Iferi (Counter Intelligence Unit) – Award For Integrity
16. CP Olatunji Disu – Commissioner of Police of the year
