President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has identified complete overhaul of institutional mentality and memory of police officers as fundamental in his administration’s ongoing bid to transform the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) into a modern, professional and accountable institution.

The President who spoke during the maiden edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations ceremony at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, stressed 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.

President Tinubu, who was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima, explained why the federal government approved the first week of April as police week and the last day of the week as National Police Day.

Delivering the President’s speech titled, “Courage Under Fire: A Bouquet for Our Police Force,” VP Shettima said 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.

He noted that his administration had been unequivocal about its resolve to transform the Nigeria Police Force into “a modern, professional, and accountable institution that mirrors the aspirations and values” of the nation.

President Tinubu listed part of the comprehensive reforms by his administration to rejuvenate the police force to include investment in training and capacity-building.
He said this will ensure that police officers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, values, and expertise required to tackle the complex challenges of modern policing, assuring that the government will upgrade equipment and technology to enhance operational effectiveness and efficiency of the force.

In his goodwill message, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, commended the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, for recognizing the hard work, resilience and patriotism of the officers and men of the police force while expressing delight for the celebration of the well-deserved officers of the force, saying that the decision to celebrate the nation's unsung heroes will pave way for a new police force in the country.

Earlier in his welcome address, IGP Egbetokun applauded President Tinubu for his support to the force, as well as his administration efforts in ensuring the nation's security forces are up to their game. He assured recipients of the awards and commendations, that their "dedication, courage and selflessness are truly inspiring," adding that their contributions to the force will be remembered for many years to come.

On his part, Chairman of the Police Service Commission and former IGP, Mr Solomon Arase, advocated improved welfare package for men and women of the Nigeria Police Force, noting that enhanced wellbeing of the personnel would improve their overall performance in securing lives and property.

He commended the Tinubu administration for the support so far given to the police force, even as he pledged the cooperation of the Police Service Commission for the transformation of the force.
Other dignitaries at the event include the minister police affairs, Chief of Defence staff and the Deputy president of the senate Suleiman Barau among others.