President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to deepen collaboration with security agencies to combat rising insecurity. Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 2026 National Police Day Grand Parade held in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized that public cooperation is essential for effective policing. "The safety of a nation is not the sole responsibility of the police; it is a shared duty between law enforcement and the citizens," the President said in his speech. He called for trust-building measures between communities and police, noting that intelligence sharing and civic responsibility are critical in tackling crime.
Tinubu highlighted ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force, including improved welfare packages and training, as part of efforts to enhance service delivery. He reiterated the administration's commitment to securing lives and property across the country. The event, themed "Partnership for a Safer Nigeria," featured police displays, awards for outstanding officers, and a march past at the Eagle Square. Shettima, who presided over the ceremony, echoed the President's call, urging citizens to see the police as allies rather than adversaries.
Tinubu's appeal for citizen cooperation exposes a fundamental imbalance—while the presidency calls for trust, many Nigerians still view the police with suspicion due to years of abuse and poor accountability. The 2026 Police Day parade showcases reform rhetoric, but without concrete action on police conduct and transparency, public partnership remains a distant goal. For ordinary citizens, safety cannot improve if the very institutions meant to protect them are not seen as legitimate.
