To commemorate the 2025 National Police Day, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command organized a large-scale street clean-up in various parts of the city. The initiative, led by the Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, took place on Wednesday and saw officers from different police divisions come together for a community-focused event aimed at promoting cleanliness and a safer environment.
The clean-up exercise, which is part of a three-day community outreach program to mark National Police Day, was aimed at not only improving the environment but also strengthening the bond between the police force and the residents of Abuja. The initiative, which involved sweeping streets, removing waste, and cleaning public spaces, was held across different parts of the capital, including areas surrounding the police command headquarters.
Speaking during the event, Commissioner Ajao Adewale emphasized the importance of the police being active members of their communities. He noted that the exercise was more than just about cleaning up the streets; it was a symbolic gesture to show the police’s commitment to public well-being and their role in creating a clean and safe environment for residents.
“This is not just a clean-up exercise. It’s a demonstration of our presence and our role in the community. As police, we have always been involved in environmental sanitation activities. You will notice that anytime there is a call for a clean-up, the police are always there, ensuring that the effort is effective,” Adewale explained. “Today, we are taking this initiative to remind everyone that a clean environment is essential for maintaining peace and order.”
The Commissioner went on to explain that keeping public spaces clean is an important tool in preventing crime. According to him, a tidy and well-maintained environment discourages criminal activities, and the police’s role in maintaining that order is essential to community safety.
“A clean and tidy environment discourages crime,” Adewale remarked. “When people see that their surroundings are well-kept, they feel more responsible for maintaining that order and are less likely to engage in criminal activities.”
Adewale further emphasized that the FCT Police Command, being based in the capital city, felt it was necessary to lead by example. He pointed out that police officers have always been involved in various community service activities, including environmental clean-up drives, as part of their duty to maintain public order.
“Our area commanders are also coordinating similar clean-up activities across other divisions, including Abaji and Gwagwalada,” Adewale said. “As the headquarters is located here, we feel it’s important to set the tone for the rest of the force.”
The clean-up drive was widely supported by both residents and members of other security agencies in Abuja. Many citizens expressed their appreciation for the police’s effort to engage with the community in such a positive way. “It’s nice to see the police out here, not just in their uniforms, but as part of us. They are showing that they care about the environment and the community,” said Samuel Ojo, a resident of Wuse, one of the areas covered by the clean-up.
The initiative also sought to highlight the broader theme of the National Police Day celebrations, which include a variety of community service activities aimed at fostering a stronger relationship between law enforcement and the public. This year’s celebrations have seen police officers participating in a range of outreach programs, from environmental sanitation to educational workshops on safety and crime prevention.
The National Police Day is a yearly event that recognizes the dedication and service of police officers across the country. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on the importance of law enforcement in maintaining peace and security in Nigerian communities.
This year’s National Police Day activities are expected to continue with further outreach programs, including health initiatives, road safety awareness campaigns, and engagement with local schools to promote safety and civic responsibility among young Nigerians.
While the clean-up event was the centerpiece of the day’s activities in Abuja, it is also part of the ongoing efforts by the police force to improve their public image and increase community trust. In recent years, there have been increasing calls for the police to deepen their engagement with the public, addressing issues such as human rights, transparency, and accountability.
By participating in initiatives like the clean-up exercise, the police are taking steps to improve relations with citizens and demonstrate their commitment to public service beyond law enforcement. The hope is that through such activities, Nigerians will see the police as partners in building a better and safer country for everyone.
The clean-up initiative has also garnered praise for its environmental impact. Streets and public spaces that were previously littered with waste were noticeably cleaner, and residents appreciated the visual improvements to their neighborhoods. For many, it was a refreshing reminder of the benefits of keeping their environment neat and the role of the police in ensuring the safety and well-being of their communities.
The success of the event is seen as an encouraging sign that the police are taking a more holistic approach to their work, one that extends beyond traditional law enforcement. As Nigeria continues to address challenges such as crime, insecurity, and public trust in law enforcement, efforts like these offer a glimpse of how the police can actively contribute to solutions through community involvement and service.
As the clean-up activities wrapped up, Adewale reiterated that the police’s role extends beyond law enforcement. He encouraged citizens to take responsibility for their surroundings, stressing the importance of teamwork between the public and the police in maintaining safety and order.
“We all have a role to play,” he concluded. “Together, we can build a cleaner, safer, and more peaceful community.”
As National Police Day celebrations continue, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command’s street clean-up initiative is being hailed as a positive step towards building stronger relationships between the police and the public, reinforcing the idea that safety and security are shared responsibilities.
