Police must be seen as partners, not enforcers, says Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday called on Nigerians to actively support security agencies in addressing the country’s persistent insecurity, warning that law enforcement alone cannot guarantee national safety.

Tinubu who was represented by Kashim Shettima, Vice-President, was Speaking

at the 2026 National Police Day Grand Parade in Abuja.

He stressed that security cannot be achieved by law enforcement agencies alone, urging Nigerians to actively support the police and other security institutions.

“The safety of a nation cannot be outsourced to uniforms alone,” Tinubu said, emphasising that effective policing depends on trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility between citizens and security agencies.

He noted that achieving lasting peace requires collaboration across all levels of society, including community leaders, traditional institutions, civil society organisations, and the private sector.

According to the President, distrust and suspicion between citizens and the police continue to undermine national security efforts and must be urgently addressed.

Tinubu reiterated that a people-oriented police force, one that is responsive, accountable, and respectful of citizens’ rights, is vital in a democratic society.

He also charged the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to remain committed to professionalism, discipline, and integrity, urging officers to uphold the honour of the uniform and inspire public confidence.

Tinubu also said ongoing reforms within the police and broader security architecture would strengthen national stability if sustained.

“The road ahead may be long, but this nation is not stranded,” he added.

In his address at the event, Olatunji Disu, Inspector General of Police (IGP) declared a zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline and abuse of authority within the force, warning that no officer would be shielded from accountability regardless of rank.

“Rank will not shield wrongdoing. Uniform will never excuse abuse. Authority will never override the rule of law,” he said, signalling a tougher internal disciplinary regime and an end to what he described as a culture of impunity.

Disu acknowledged longstanding public concerns about police misconduct and the widening trust deficit between citizens and the force, pledging decisive reforms to restore professionalism and credibility.

He assured Nigerians that accountability under his leadership would be “firm, fair, and without exception,” with no “sacred cows.”

Balancing his tough stance, the police chief also promised improved welfare, training, and operational support for officers, noting that a professional and effective police institution must be built on motivated and well-equipped personnel.

Disu admitted that relations between the police and the public had deteriorated over time but vowed to rebuild confidence through transparency, accountability, and community engagement.

“We hear you. We understand your concerns…and we are determined to close that gap,” he said, promising a “more accountable, more disciplined, and more human” police force.

He outlined an ongoing transition towards intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-based policing, adding that new accountability mechanisms and investments in training and investigative capacity were already being implemented nationwide.

The IGP also emphasised the importance of multi-agency collaboration, highlighting ongoing partnerships between the police and the armed forces in tackling evolving security threats.

He called on traditional rulers, civil society, the media, and the private sector to support efforts to strengthen accountability and rebuild trust.

Disu also paid tribute to officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, describing their sacrifices as a moral obligation for the institution to uphold higher standards and deliver improved service.

“Every life lost in service is a debt on our conscience,” he said, assuring families of fallen officers that their sacrifices would be honoured through meaningful reforms.

National Police Day, observed annually on April 7, celebrates the service and sacrifice of police personnel while providing a platform for the government and police leadership to reaffirm their commitment to building a modern, accountable, and citizen-focused policing system in Nigeria.