National Police Day: IGP Leads Grand Parade, Reaffirms Commitment To Professionalism, National Security

National police day. The Nigeria Police Force today marked the grand finale of the 2026 National Police Day celebrations with a colorful parade and procession held at the Eagle Square, Abuja, highlighting personnel drawn from various units, formations, and commands of the Force.

The event featured a ceremonial parade involving officers of the Nigeria Police Force alongside other security and paramilitary agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Correctional Service and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), reflecting strengthened inter-agency collaboration in national security.

The ceremony was attended by the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; Chairman, Senate Committee on Police Affairs, Senator Ahmad Abdulhamid Malam Madori; Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon. Dr. Wale Ahmed; Executive Secretary, Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu; Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed; Commandant General, NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi; as well as former Inspectors-General of Police, including MD Abubakar, Ogbonna Onovo, Mike Okiro, and Suleiman Abba, alongside other senior government officials, security chiefs, and stakeholders.

In his remarks as Reviewing Officer, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, represented by the Vice President, commended the Nigeria Police Force for its dedication and resilience, while reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening police reforms, operational capacity, and personnel welfare in line with national security priorities.

In his address, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, described National Police Day as a moment to honour fallen heroes and reinforce the values of discipline, professionalism, and service. He emphasized the need for a more accountable, intelligence-driven, and community-focused Police Force, assuring Nigerians of continued efforts to strengthen public trust and improve policing standards nationwide.

Activities marking the 2026 National Police Day celebration included a nationwide walkathon, community service initiatives, medical outreach programmes, public sensitization campaigns, and the presentation of welfare cheques to families of fallen officers, all aimed at strengthening police-community relations and enhancing personnel welfare.

National Police Day

The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to professionalism, service excellence, and the protection of lives and property, as it continues to reposition itself to effectively meet the security aspirations of the nation.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID psc(+) mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
7th April, 2026

Youths Stages Pro-INEC March In Abuja, Backs Commission’s Stance On ADC

stance on ADC. Members of the Concerned stance on ADCNigeria Youth Forum on Tuesday staged a march in Abuja, as show of support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), amid controversy over the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The group, led by Adeyeye Olugbenga, its convener, said the demonstration was aimed at defending Nigeria’s democracy and the integrity of the electoral body.

Olugbenga said the protest followed “attacks from all manner of destructive elements” against INEC after the commission complied with a court injunction and removed the “illegal leadership of ADC in person of David Mark” from its portal.

Olugbenga also condemned a 48-hour ultimatum handed to the INEC chairman by individuals he described as “faceless”.

“We realised few days ago that they have mobilised their attack dogs,” he said.

Youths Stages Pro-INEC March In Abuja

He added that the group would continue to back the electoral commission, insisting that its actions are rooted in due process.

“We are here to make a bold statement that the solidarity for INEC and the leadership of INEC continues. We will continue to protect and support the institution of INEC because it is based on credibility,” he added.

Media Groups, CSOs Demand Wike To Apologise Over Threat To Shoot Seun Okinbaloye

Wike to apologise. A network of press freedom and civil society organisations has condemned recent remarks by Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), directed at Channels Television presenter Seun Okinbaloye.

Wike, during a media chat in Abuja on Friday, threatened to shoot Okinbaloye over the journalist’s comments on the possibility of Nigeria becoming a one-party state.

Speaking on his programme, Okinbaloye had said it was disappointing that the 2027 elections were shaping up as a contest dominated by one political party, citing the crisis in the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

He said that Nigeria is “doomed democratically” if the only viable opposition — ADC — is unable to contest the 2027 elections.

Reacting to Okinbaloye, Wike had said: “I was surprised yesterday, thoroughly surprised. If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him.”

In a statement signed by 14 organisations, the network demanded that Wike retract his remarks, apologise to Okinbaloye and the media community, and “reaffirm a clear commitment to non-violence and the defence of press freedom as a public official on oath to abide with the constitution”.

They said that while the minister later clarified that he did not intend to physically harm the journalist, “even such hypothetical expressions of violent intent constitute a conditional threat and cannot be dismissed as harmless”.

“Even if meant humorously, such rhetoric can be perceived as intimidation by both the journalist and the audience,” the statement reads.

“We assert that conditional threats or violent statements against journalists contribute to a climate of fear, undermining the fundamental principles of a free and independent press, especially as journalists play a crucial role in informing the public and holding power to account.”

The CSOs and press freedom groups warned that threats or violent language, whether direct or indirect, put journalists at risk and weaken public trust in democracy.

“With a press freedom index ranking of 122 out of 180 countries, Nigeria remains one of West Africa’s most dangerous and challenging countries for journalists,” the statement said.

Wike To Apologise

“Media professionals are routinely monitored, attacked, and arbitrarily arrested, particularly during electoral campaigns. Incidents like this can further imperil journalists and highlight the urgent need for balanced and responsible political engagement, especially from public officials.”

The network also urged institutions and public figures to reject violent rhetoric against the media and promote a culture of respectful engagement, even amid strong disagreements.