….Says ‘We are not Monsters’, invites Lagosians
By Constance Adaurie
The Annual National Police Day event has been announced across the federation. The weeklong line-up of events will hold in all 36 states and FCT from Monday 30th March and culminate in a final celebration at the Force Headquarters Abuja on Tuesday 7th April 2026.
Addressing the press on Friday, in regards to the celebrations which will be held in Lagos State, the Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani unveiled a comprehensive lineup of activities for the 2026 Police Week. He noted that the Week is aimed at rebuilding public trust, promoting community policing, and demonstrating the operational strength of the force. It is also part of efforts to reconnect the Police with the people and reinforce the principle that effective policing depends on collaboration with the community.
He explained that the initiative, which was introduced in recent years but experienced interruptions, is being revived and expanded to align with global best practices in community policing.
According to the Commissioner, the theme of this year’s celebration is “Community Partnership, Building Trust” and it centres on building and sustaining public trust through partnership, noting that trust between the police and the public must be mutual to achieve meaningful results in crime prevention. “The police cannot function effectively without the cooperation of the community. We must build trust, and the public must also see us as partners,” he said.
Tijani stressed that the era of fear and intimidation associated with policing is over, adding that officers have been directed to uphold professionalism, respect human rights, and treat citizens with dignity. “We are not monsters. Even suspects have rights. Our duty is to serve the people with humility and professionalism,” he said.
He outlined a series of activities scheduled throughout the week across commands and divisions in the state. The events will begin with sanitation exercises and a medical outreach programme, where police medical personnel will provide free healthcare services to members of the public.
This will be followed by a road walk involving officers to demonstrate their fitness and readiness, as well as reinforce public confidence in the force’s capacity.
“The programme will also feature sensitization campaigns targeting key societal issues, including electoral violence, cultism, and road safety.
“These campaigns, according to Jimoh, will be held in public spaces such as motor parks and involve stakeholders across different segments of society.
With elections approaching, the Commissioner said it is crucial to educate citizens on the dangers and consequences of electoral violence, while also discouraging young people from engaging in cult-related activities.
He emphasized that community members play a critical role in providing intelligence, noting that collaboration between residents and the police is essential for tackling crime effectively. “Information from the public is key. We rely on the community to help us identify and address criminal activities within their environment,” he said.
As part of the week-long programme, the Command will also honour fallen officers by presenting cheques to their families, reaffirming the force’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their loved ones.
Tijani added that the activities will culminate in a grand finale in Abuja on April 7, alongside similar celebrations nationwide.
He called on the media and residents to support the initiative by creating awareness and actively participating in the events, stressing that the success of policing depends on a strong and trusting relationship between the police and the public. “The police are your friends and partners. Together, we can build a safer society,” he said.
The series of programme for the Police Week 2026 are as follows:
Monday, 30th March 2026:
- Sanitation and Environmental Cleaning Exercise across all Area Commands, coordinated by the respective Area Commanders by 09:00am.
- Medical Outreach Programme at Computer Village, Ikeja by 10:00am.
Tuesday, 31st March 2026
- Walkathon for Public Engagement and Awareness, commencing from the State Command Headquarters, Ikeja GRA, to Maryland Junction.
Wednesday, 1st April 2026:
- Public Sensitization Campaigns on the dangers of electoral violence, cultism, and other security concerns
- Sensitization of drivers on the importance of safe driving practices.
Thursday, 2nd April 2026 –
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Presentation of cheques to families of deceased officers.
Tuesday, 7th April 2026 (Abuja) – Grand Finale: Ceremonial Parade and Tactical Display.
