In the history of human existence, security and law enforcement have occupied a central position and remain inseparable from human survival, growth and development in all spheres of life. Across nations, the police play a fundamental role in securing lives and property, maintaining law and order, and ensuring the general safety and stability of society. Indeed, the importance of policing can be traced to the earliest accounts of human civilization. Even in the biblical account of creation (see Genesis Chapters 2 and 3), one finds an illustration of responsibility, supervision and the preservation of order in God’s instructions to Adam and Eve concerning the Garden of Eden. This underscores the timeless importance of maintaining order, protecting lives and safeguarding the environment in which humanity thrives.
In many countries, policing is not restricted to conventional law enforcement. Depending on the structure and security architecture of individual nations, police institutions may undertake responsibilities relating to border security, immigration control, customs administration, correctional services, firefighting, emergency response, protection of critical national assets and other essential public safety services. In some jurisdictions, the police also perform certain military and national security functions.
More importantly, police institutions across the world are regularly recognized and celebrated for their sacrifices, courage and contributions to national development. Governments, citizens, institutions and police families acknowledge their service and make deliberate efforts to honour them, encourage them and cater for their welfare. They are recognized, appreciated and supported because policing is not merely an occupation; it is a call to service and, ultimately, a commitment to humanity. Such recognition and institutional support inspire confidence, strengthen morale and encourage more citizens to embrace the noble responsibility of serving their countries through policing.
In Nigeria, the story has not been entirely different. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) remains a fundamental institution in the country’s security architecture. Established under Section 214 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, while the Armed Forces are recognized under Section 217, both institutions have clearly defined constitutional responsibilities in safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, lives and property. The police, in particular, occupy the frontline of internal security and law enforcement, as is the case in many countries across the world.
For many years, one issue that appeared to have escaped the attention of successive administrations was the absence of the Nigeria Police Force flag from the colours displayed during major National Ceremonial Parades. These include the Independence Day Parade, Democracy Day celebrations and Presidential Inauguration Parades.
These historic national events, coordinated through the appropriate government structures, including the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, in collaboration with the military and other relevant authorities, provide an opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its national identity, sovereignty, institutional heritage and security establishments. The colours traditionally displayed include the Nigerian national flag, the Defence flag and the flags of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and Nigerian Air Force. Each flag carries a significant institutional identity and represents the sacrifices, responsibilities and contributions of the respective institutions in defending the country and preserving its sovereignty.
However, despite the Nigeria Police Force being an integral participant in these national parades and a principal institution in the country’s internal security architecture, its institutional flag had not enjoyed similar recognition among the national colours. This omission had remained a source of concern to many within the police community and among those who appreciate the symbolic importance of institutional recognition.
The question had always been: Why should an institution that plays such a critical role in national security, law enforcement and the protection of citizens be absent from the official display of institutional colours at the country’s most important national ceremonies?
There was hardly any convincing justification for this omission. It was, therefore, understandable that successive police leaderships and stakeholders would consider it an oversight that needed to be addressed.
At different times, efforts were made by previous Inspectors-General of Police and police leaderships to draw the attention of the Federal Government to this situation and seek appropriate recognition for the Nigeria Police Force. Correspondence was exchanged, representations were made and the need to correct this institutional omission was brought to the fore. Unfortunately, these efforts did not yield the desired result at the time.
For those who understand the psychological, institutional and professional implications of such an omission, the importance of correcting it cannot be overstated. Institutional flags are not merely pieces of coloured fabric. They represent identity, honour, heritage, sacrifice, pride, belonging and institutional recognition. They communicate the place of an organization within the larger national structure and remind its personnel that their contributions are acknowledged and valued.
Consequently, recognizing the Nigeria Police Force flag among the national colours was not a demand for undue privilege or superiority over any other security institution. It was simply a call for inclusion and appropriate recognition of an institution that has continued to make enormous sacrifices towards the peace, security and stability of Nigeria.
Happily, in October 2026, this long-standing aspiration finally yielded a positive result under the leadership of the incumbent Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, psc(+), NPM. Following renewed representations and the sustained efforts of the present police leadership, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, graciously approved the inclusion of the Nigeria Police Force flag among the colours to be displayed at all National Ceremonial Parades in the country.
Hurray! A significant institutional milestone has been achieved, and history has been made!
The blue, yellow and green colours of the Nigeria Police Force have now earned their rightful place among the flags displayed at our national ceremonial parades. This is more than an addition of colours; it is an addition of institutional dignity, recognition, pride and a renewed sense of belonging. It is a symbolic affirmation that the contributions of the Force to nation-building and national security deserve equal recognition and appreciation.
This decision by Mr President is highly commendable and historically significant. It is a demonstration of thoughtful leadership and an appreciation of the indispensable role of the Nigeria Police Force in the Nigerian security architecture.
I must, therefore, sincerely appreciate and commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for listening to the concerns of the police institution and granting this long-awaited approval. This gesture will remain a memorable part of the history of the Nigeria Police Force and a positive reference point for institutional recognition and inclusiveness in our national security structure.
I also wish to acknowledge the previous Inspectors-General of Police who, at different times, recognized the importance of this issue and made efforts to secure the approval of the Federal Government. Their initiatives and representations may not have produced the desired outcome during their respective tenures, but their contributions laid part of the foundation for the eventual success recorded today. Their efforts deserve recognition because institutional progress is often the product of persistent advocacy across successive administrations.
Most importantly, special commendation must go to the incumbent Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, for taking this aspiration beyond the stage of representation and ensuring that it became a reality. His leadership, commitment and determination to address matters affecting the identity, dignity and institutional standing of the Nigeria Police Force have produced a historic outcome.
Sir, this is one achievement that will be remembered. You have not only secured the inclusion of the Force’s flag among the national colours; you have also strengthened the pride and institutional identity of serving police personnel and generations yet unborn. Your name is now associated with yet another significant milestone in the history of the Nigeria Police Force. Thank you, sir, for making this happen.
Beyond this latest development, I am inclined to believe that President Tinubu has a genuine appreciation of the need to recognize, promote and strengthen the Nigeria Police Force under his administration. I recall that in 2024, during the Nigeria Police Force Awards and Recognition Ceremony held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, where the then Commissioner of Police, now IGP Tunji Disu, was honoured as Commissioner of Police of the Year, Mr President made a significant pronouncement concerning the establishment and recognition of National Police Day, to be celebrated annually on April 7. That announcement was not merely a ceremonial declaration or a political statement. It translated into an enduring national observance, as the Nigerian Government subsequently recognized and celebrated National Police Day on April 7 in both 2025 and 2026.
It is equally important to commend the efforts of the former Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, who pursued the initiative and sought the President’s approval, which was eventually granted. His contribution to the institutional recognition of the Nigeria Police Force deserves acknowledgement.
I must also appreciate the Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, the Chairman and members of the Police Service Commission, the leadership and members of the National Assembly, members of the Federal Executive Council and other relevant stakeholders who have continued to support initiatives aimed at reforming, repositioning and strengthening the Nigeria Police Force.
The transformation of the Force requires collective commitment, political will, institutional cooperation and sustained investment. The police must be adequately equipped, properly motivated, professionally trained and institutionally supported to deliver on their constitutional mandate. Recognition, welfare, capacity development, operational efficiency and public confidence must go hand in hand.
As aptly provided in Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ‘the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.’ This constitutional provision underscores the importance of a well-supported, efficient and professional police institution in achieving the collective aspirations of our nation.
Now that the Nigeria Police Force flag has been accorded its rightful place among the colours displayed at National Ceremonial Parades, I have no doubt that this recognition will further inspire officers and men of the Force to demonstrate greater commitment to the defense of our national sovereignty, the protection of lives and property, and the maintenance of peace and public order.
With the renewed perspectives, initiatives and innovations being introduced under the leadership of IGP Tunji Disu, the Nigeria Police Force appears to be moving closer to its promised land: a destination defined by improved professionalism, patriotism, discipline, dedication, accountability, operational efficiency, service delivery and institutional pride.
However, to the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, this recognition comes with an equally important responsibility. As Scripture reminds us in Luke 12:48, ‘For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required.’ To whom much is given, much is expected.
The inclusion of the Force’s flag among the national colours should not merely be celebrated as an institutional victory; it should also serve as a renewed call to duty. It should remind every police officer that the honour represented by the flag must be reflected in their conduct, professionalism, relationship with the public and commitment to the rule of law.
The Force must remain above board, disciplined, accountable and responsive to the expectations of Nigerians. Police personnel must uphold the core values of the institution, protect the rights of citizens, shun corruption and abuse of power, and demonstrate the highest standards of integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities.
The IGP, as the head of the institution, has taken a significant step towards securing this recognition. It is now the collective responsibility of all personnel to complement his efforts and ensure that the Nigeria Police Force becomes the institution Nigerians desire and deserve.
The new era has come. The wind of change is blowing. The journey is becoming clearer, and the destination is within reach. With the right leadership, sustained government support, institutional reforms and a renewed commitment from police personnel, the Nigeria Police Force can reclaim and consolidate its pride of place in the nation’s security architecture.
May the blue, yellow and green colours of the Nigeria Police Force always remind us of the institution’s identity, sacrifices, responsibilities and unwavering commitment to the Nigerian people.
Nigeria is indeed moving in the right direction, with additional colours!
Adejobi, a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) writes from Oba Adejobi’s House, Orile-Owu, Osun State.