IBN News | October 27, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the inclusion of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) flag in the colour party during national ceremonial parades, marking a significant development in the formal recognition of the police institution at national events.
The approval was communicated through an official police wireless signal issued by the office of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, directing police formations and commands nationwide to implement the decision immediately.
The signal, dated October 22, 2026, and referenced CB:2063/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.1/81, stated that the approval followed high-level engagements undertaken as part of the Inspector-General’s strategic drive to reposition the Nigeria Police Force and enhance its institutional relevance.
According to the directive, the inclusion of the police flag in the colour party during national ceremonial parades recognises the force’s critical role as a frontline national security institution.
The signal instructed senior officers, commands, departments and formations across the country to give the directive the widest circulation and ensure its immediate implementation at all national events. Recipients were also directed to acknowledge receipt.
A NEW CEREMONIAL RECOGNITION FOR THE POLICE
The colour party is a formal component of ceremonial parades, involving the presentation and display of flags or colours that represent institutions and national identity.
The presidential approval gives the Nigeria Police Force flag a designated place in national ceremonial parades, recognising the institution’s role in maintaining law and order, preventing and investigating crime, protecting lives and property, and supporting national security.
The decision also aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the institutional identity and public standing of the police as a key component of Nigeria’s security architecture.
IGP DIRECTS IMMEDIATE IMPLEMENTATION
The nationwide signal makes clear that the directive is not limited to the Force Headquarters in Abuja. Police formations and commands across the country have been instructed to take note and implement the decision at applicable national ceremonial events.
The move places responsibility on the relevant police authorities to incorporate the flag into ceremonial arrangements in accordance with the directive.
The development comes as the Nigeria Police Force continues efforts to improve professionalism, strengthen institutional capacity and reinforce public confidence in its constitutional responsibilities.
The inclusion of the police flag in national ceremonial parades will formally acknowledge the institution’s contribution to the country’s security and governance framework.
For the Nigeria Police Force, the approval represents both ceremonial recognition and an opportunity to reinforce institutional pride, unity and service to the nation.
