By Mercy Gadia
The Inspector General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu on Thursday hosted an interfaith Iftar and Lent dinner for officers at the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja, in what authorities described as a first-of-its-kind gathering aimed at fostering unity and religious harmony within the Force.
The event brought together officers of different faiths, alongside key stakeholders, in a show of mutual respect and shared values.
Among dignitaries present were Amos Yohanna of the Senate Committee on Police Affairs; Jafar Yakubu of the House Committee on Police Affairs; President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs. Oluwafumilola Disu; Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu; retired Assistant Inspector-General Hakeem Odumosu; and Prof. Imam Musa of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Abuja Branch.
Speaking at the event, the IGP said the gathering underscored the importance of unity among officers, regardless of religious differences.
“Ramadan and Lent are periods of reflection, sacrifice, and service. Despite our diverse faiths and traditions, we are united by shared values of discipline, compassion, and devotion to duty,” Disu said.
He stressed that religious harmony within the Force remains critical to professionalism and effective policing, urging officers to imbibe the virtues of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
The police boss also extended goodwill to Muslim faithful observing Ramadan, encouraging them to reflect the values of peace, tolerance, and selflessness associated with the season.
On security, Disu assured Nigerians of enhanced safety measures across the country, particularly during the festive period.
“Security has been significantly strengthened across all states of the federation, with enhanced deployments, increased surveillance, and proactive measures emplaced across Commands and Formations,” he said.
The Force spokesman, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, noted that the initiative highlights the leadership’s commitment to building a cohesive and disciplined police institution anchored on mutual respect and unity.