By Adewole Kehinde
On 15 Apr 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu 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 was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the maiden edition of the award ceremony of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations held at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
He explained 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 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,” Tinubu stressed.
Under the leadership of Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Various Commands on Wednesday invited all residents of their respective states to join in the historic occasion of National Police Day, marking a presidential directive to honour the dedication and sacrifices of Nigeria’s Police Force.
From April 2nd to 7th, 2025, many commands will roll out an ambitious lineup of community-focused programmes aimed at strengthening ties between the police and the public while showcasing their commitment to humanitarian service and public safety.
IGP Egbetokun expressed his excitement, stating, “This is a landmark event to celebrate our officers’ invaluable contributions and foster a safer, more united community through collaboration and trust.”
Various Commands has planned a diverse range of activities to engage the public and address pressing community needs.
The planned activities include:
1. Town Hall Meeting with Stakeholders and Community Members
Various Commands will facilitate a meaningful dialogue session with community leaders, traditional rulers, government representatives, and key stakeholders.
This platform will address security concerns, brainstorm crime prevention strategies, and explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation between the police and the public.
2. Sanitation and Cleanup of Public Spaces
In partnership with various State Environmental Protection Agency, police officers, a large-scale sanitation initiative will be focused on cleaning and improving frequently visited public areas.
3. Free Medical Service Outreach
Various Commands are committed to promoting public health by offering free medical services to community members. This initiative underscores the police’s humanitarian role and aims to better serve our community’s health needs.
4. School Outreach: Campaign Against Cultism and Social Vices
Officers will engage with students and community members in schools and public spaces, delivering educational programmes on the dangers of cultism, violent crime, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), gangsterism, and other social issues.
This campaign aims to empower youth and guide them toward positive life choices.
5. Walkathon for Strength and Partnership Building
A walkathon will be organised to promote fitness and strengthen the police-community partnership, fostering unity and collaboration.
FCT
The FCT Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Ajao S. Adewale, commenced activities to commemorate National Police Day 2025 with a three-day Community Outreach from April 2nd to 5th, 2025.
This year’s theme, “Say NO to Crime”, underscores the collective responsibility of both law enforcement and the public in tackling issues such as cultism, drug abuse, sexual-based violence, cybercrime, kidnapping, and other social vices.
As part of this initiative, Day One was dedicated to a Clean-Up Exercise, emphasising the importance of a clean and safe environment in fostering security and community development.
The Commissioner of Police, Ajao S. Adewale, led officers and men of the FCT Police Command on a clean-up exercise at Lagos Street, Garki, and the Palace of the Sa’peyi of Garki. This exercise highlights the command’s commitment to community engagement beyond law enforcement duties.
The Commissioner of Police expressed his gratitude to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for his visionary leadership and commitment to community policing. He noted that the IGP’s efforts in modernising and reforming the Nigeria Police Force continue to inspire officers to build stronger relationships with the communities they serve.
The FCT Police Command also urged all residents to actively participate in this outreach and remain vigilant.
Taraba
The Taraba State Police Command announced the launch of National Police Day, an annual event set to be observed every April 7.
This initiative, according to the Commissioner Bretet Emmanuel Simon, follows a presidential directive aimed at recognising the dedication and sacrifices of police officers across the country.
Apart from extending an open invitation to the public, the event, as announced by him in a statement made available to journalists in Jalingo by the command’s spokesperson, James Leshen, is designed to foster stronger ties between law enforcement and the public while promoting trust and cooperation.
As part of the celebration, the command said it has lined up several activities to engage the community and promote safety and well-being.
Among such activities, as enumerated by him, are a town hall meeting with stakeholders, a sanitation and cleanup exercise, free medical outreach, school outreach on social vices, and a walkathon for strength and community partnership, among others.
Simon emphasised the significance of National Police Day, highlighting its role in strengthening public trust and enhancing security efforts.
“This celebration underscores our dedication to ensuring public safety and fostering a strong relationship with the communities we serve,” he stated.
The Command encourages active public participation in the planned activities, reinforcing the shared responsibility of creating a safer society.
He stated that National Police Day is expected to become a key annual tradition, honouring the service of police officers and reinforcing their role in national development.
Cross River
The Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Olusegun Eyitayo Omosanyin, led the state’s observance of the National Police Day.
The celebrations, in line with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, feature a series of activities aimed at fostering better relations between the police and the public.
The key activities on 3rd April 2025 include community engagement aimed at strengthening trust and cooperation between the police and local communities.
This year’s theme highlights the vital role the police play in maintaining peace and security in the society and underscores the commitment of the Cross River State Police Command to work closely with all stakeholders to build safer communities.
Adamawa
The police command in Adamawa commemorated National Police Day 2025 with free medical outreach in communities, among other engagements.
The spokesperson for the command, Suleiman Nguroje, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.
The command stated that the outreach would foster a spirit of collaboration and humanitarian services.
It said, “The command is committed to promoting public health by offering free medical services to community members.
“This initiative underscores the police’s humanitarian role and aims to better serve our community’s health needs.”
According to the statement, the day is annually marked on April 7 in response to the presidential directive aimed at honouring the invaluable contributions and commitment of police officers.
From April 2 to 7, the command said it would seek to strengthen community relations and enhance public trust through police/community engagement.
The police explained that other planned activities include sanitation and the cleanup of public spaces in partnership with Adamawa’s Ministry of Environment.
Others are town hall meetings with critical stakeholders, school outreach campaigns against cultism and social vices, a walkathon to promote fitness, and a roundtable with community leaders, traditional rulers, and government representatives.
Benue
The Benue State Police Command under the leadership of CP Stave H. Yabanet has planned activities for the National, which include medical outreach, awareness and educational programmes in schools on cultism and violent extremism, sanitation within communities and a town hall meeting to engage our esteemed stakeholders in discussions that will improve policing in Benue state.
In recognition of persons who have supported the command to attain this height, the CP has expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor of Benue state, Rv. Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, for his endless support to the command. He extends his appreciation to traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth leaders and other stakeholders who have been of immense support to the command.
Nasarawa
In commemoration of National Police Day, the Nasarawa State Police Command has commenced a series of medical outreach and sensitisation activities aimed at enhancing public health and strengthening police-community relations. The initiative includes free medical consultations, treatment of common illnesses, blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, deworming of children, and vaccinations.
This exercise aligns with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, following presidential approval for the annual observance of National Police Day every April 7. The celebration is designed to foster closer ties between the police and the public, recognise the dedication and sacrifices of police officers in ensuring national security, peace, and justice, and honour the bravery of fallen heroes whose courage continues to inspire the force.
The activities officially commenced today at the Police Officers’ Mess, Jos Road, Lafia, with a free medical outreach and sensitisation exercise, which will run daily from April 2–3, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Furthermore, the Command is committed to strengthening its relationship with the public to enhance the implementation of community policing initiatives and ensure the safety of lives and property.
Highlights of the activities include Free medical services, Stakeholder engagement and sensitisation sessions, Environmental sanitation and cleanup campaigns and awareness campaigns against cultism and other social vices.
Edo
Further to the presidential directive for Annual National Police Day to be held every 7th of April and the approval of the programme of activities by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, in compliance, has commenced with the sanitation/cleanup exercise of the Ibiwe Junction by Oba Market road, and had engagement with selected communities in the State.
Other activities planned to mark this day are as follows:
1. School Outreach: The Command will engage students of Itohan Grammar School, Ugbekun, Benin City, on Thursday, 3rd April 2025.
2. Free Medical Outreach: This would include blood pressure checks, blood sugar checks, Hepatitis B screening, HIV screening, eye check-ups, and lots more on Friday, 4th April 2025.
3. Walkhaton: The Command would embark on a road walk on Saturday, 5th April 2025.
CP Betty Otimenyin appealed to all residents of the state to encourage the Police by joining in the celebration as the Command reassures the general public of its commitment to safeguarding lives and properties in the State.
Akwa Ibom
As part of the activities to mark the National Police Day celebration, The Akwa Ibom State Police Command under the leadership of CP Baba Mohammed Azare commenced activities earmarked to celebrate the day with a Security roundtable with Stakeholders in the State.
The event, which started on Wednesday, April 2nd, will run through Monday, April 7th, 2025.
Celebrating the National Police Day is in line with the presidential directive to the Nigeria Police Force to honour the sacrifices, dedication, and professionalism of police officers across the country.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, on Wednesday warmly appreciated residents, community leaders, stakeholders, and the general public who made out time to join in the stakeholders parley and promised that the maiden edition of the Police Day will be historic.
The activities lined up to mark this significant occasion, as outlined by the Command, indicate a series of community engagement programmes aimed at strengthening police-public relations and reinforcing collaborative efforts toward a safer society. These include:
1. Stakeholders’ Roundtable on Security
A town hall meeting will be held with traditional rulers, community leaders, government representatives, and security stakeholders to deliberate on crime prevention strategies and foster a stronger police-community partnership.
2. Environmental Sanitation Exercise
The Command, in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment, will embark on a statewide sanitation exercise to promote a cleaner and healthier environment.
3. Free Medical Outreach
In its commitment to public welfare, the Command will offer free medical services to residents, demonstrating its humanitarian role beyond security duties.
4. School Outreach: Campaign Against Cultism and Social Vices
Officers will visit schools across the state to engage students on the dangers of cultism, drug abuse, gender-based violence, and other social vices, guiding them towards positive life choices.
5. Police-Community Fitness Walk
To promote physical well-being and police-community collaboration, a fitness walk will be organised, bringing together officers and members of the public in a show of unity and shared commitment to security.
The Commissioner of Police, while reaffirming the Command’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens’ rights, enjoins the public to actively participate in these events.
He assured that the Command remains committed to its mandate of maintaining law and order while fostering trust and cooperation with the good people of Akwa Ibom State.
Plateau
In commemoration of National Police Day, as approved by President Bola Tinubu, declaring April 7th as National Police Day aimed at honouring the dedication and sacrifices of Police Officers in securing the State, and with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Plateau State Police Command under the leadership of CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, has lined up a series of activities in commemoration of this day.
In light of the foregoing, the Commissioner of Police, in the company of members of his Management Team, held a Stakeholders/Town Hall Meeting at the Police Officers Mess, Jos, where he addressed critical issues related to security and strategised on ways to prevent their reoccurrence in the future.
In line with the activities planned out for the National Police Day Celebration, the Plateau State Police Command will also be carrying out the following activities:
April 3, 2025: Community Service/Sanitation of Public Areas, including the popular Terminus market and other major roundabouts, as part of its efforts to keep the State clean and peaceful.
April 4, 2025: The Command will also embark on Medical Outreach, which includes health talks, free tests, free distribution of medication, and other medical services at Abattoir Market, Jos. The Command will also organise a School Outreach/Sensitization Programme on the same day, in collaboration with the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), where we will engage students from various schools in discussions about the dangers of cultism and other related crimes. This will take place at the Police Field, Jos.
April 5, 2025: Officers from the command will participate in a Road Walk (Walkathon) from the Command Headquarters, No. 25, JD Gomwalk Way, to Mopol 8 Barracks, Old Airport Road, Jos. This will emphasise the importance of fitness as part of our daily activities.
The Commissioner of Police Plateau State Command, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, urged members of the public to join in celebrating the 2025 National Police Day as a show of solidarity with the Police on the Plateau.
He further encourages residents to turn out for the medical outreach to check their health status.
Gombe
The Gombe State Police Command, in collaboration with the Gombe State Environmental Protection Agency (GOSEPA) and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), embarked on a public sanitation and Road Walk exercise aimed at ensuring a cleaner and healthier environment in the state.
The clean-up exercise commenced at the Gombe Central Roundabout, where officers and volunteers engaged in thorough cleaning activities. The team then proceeded through the Emir’s Palace, making their way to the bustling Gombe New Market, ensuring that waste and debris were properly disposed of.
The exercise concluded at the Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dan-Kwanbo Mega Motor Park, a major transportation hub in the state. Participants emphasised the importance of maintaining cleanliness in public spaces, urging residents and traders to take responsibility for their surroundings.
Other programmes planned to mark this day are as follows: (a) Town Hall Meeting with Stakeholders. Date: 03/04/2025 Venue: Matrix International School Gombe.
(b) Free Medical Service Outreach. Date: 04/04/2025 Venue: Gombe Emir’s Palace and Police Clinic.
(c) Schools/Public Campaigns against Cultism, Gangsterism, Violent Crime, Gender Base violence and other social Vices. Date: 05/04/2025.
CP Bello Yahaya urged the good people of Gombe State to encourage the Police by joining us in celebrating this Maiden/groundbreaking occasion.
Delta
The Delta State Police Command is set to commence National Police Day which is scheduled to hold on 7th of April, each year as the Commissioner of Police Delta State CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, warmly invites all community members to join and celebrate this joyful occasion.
This event was initiated in response to the presidential directive to establish an annual National Police Day aimed at honouring the invaluable contributions and commitment of our police officers.
The command also seeks to strengthen community relations and enhance public trust through police /Community engagement.
From today, the 2nd to 7th, to April 2025. The Command will host a series of community engagement programs designed to foster a spirit of collaboration and Humanitarian services. The planned activities include:
1. Free Medical Service Outreach
The Command is committed to promoting public health by offering free medical services to community members at Police clinic Asaba on Friday 4th April 2025 at 1100hours. This initiative underscores the police’s humanitarian role and better serves our community’s health needs.
2. Sanitation and Cleanup of Public Spaces
The command will deploy personnel who will embark on a large-scale sanitation exercise across all twenty-five local government areas of the state focused on cleaning and improving public areas.
3. Town Hall Meeting with Critical Stakeholders
The Command will establish a meaningful roundtable dialogue session with community leaders, traditional rulers, Government representatives, and key stakeholders. This platform will address security concerns, brainstorm and cross-fertilise ideas to crime prevention strategies, and explore opportunities to enhance collaboration between the police and the public.
4. School Outreach: Campaign Against Cultism and Social Vices
Officers of the command will engage with students and community members in schools and public spaces to deliver awareness/Educational programs on the dangers of cultism, violent crime, sexual and gender-based violence and other vices. This campaign aims to guide them toward positive life choices.
5. Walkathon for Strength and Partnership Building
The Command is dedicated to celebrating National Police Day as an annual tradition honouring its officers while reinforcing their essential role in ensuring safety and promoting peace in the state.
Force Headquarters
The Force Headquarters further highlighted the event with a press briefing by the Force Spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
He said that the Nigeria Police Force is set to host the maiden edition of National Police Day on April 7, 2025, at Eagle Square, Abuja.
This historic event, which will run from April 2 to April 7, 2025, will feature a series of impactful humanitarian and community-based activities, including medical outreaches, community engagements, and exhibitions by security companies and partners, among other programmes aimed at fostering stronger police-community relations.
The National Police Day is designed to celebrate the dedication, sacrifices, and achievements of the Nigeria Police Force in ensuring national security. It will provide a platform to recognise the Force’s pivotal role in safeguarding lives and property while reinforcing public trust and collaboration in maintaining law and order.
The event is expected to host government officials, community leaders, representatives of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and key stakeholders from various sectors.
The celebration will also pay tribute to our fallen heroes, police officers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the point of paying the supreme price of laying their lives down for the protection of the nation while in the line of duty.
The event will commence on April 2 and feature a series of activities as follows:
Wednesday 2nd to Sunday 6th April 2025; Police Community Outreach Nationwide; Friday 4th April, 2025 – Exhibition at Eagle Square, Abuja; Saturday 5th April, 2025 – Official Opening Ceremony/Walkathon Nationwide; VIPs Visit to Exhibition Ground; and Monday 7th April, 2025 – Grand Parade/Procession at Eagle Square, Abuja.
He further said that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to professional excellence and public service.
As preparations for this landmark occasion gain momentum, the IGP calls on Nigerians to join in celebrating the gallant officers of the Nigeria Police Force and their immense contributions to national security.
The National Police Day stands as a testament to the resilience, dedication, and courage of police personnel and serves as an inspiration for future generations to uphold the highest ideals of service and integrity.
Adewole Kehinde is a public affairs analyst and publisher of Swift Reporters. 08166240846. kennyadewole@gmail.com @kennyadewole
