This had never happened before at Force Headquarters. Not in this way, and not with this purpose.
Muslim officers broke their Ramadan fast while Christian officers observed Lent. They sat together at one table, under one roof, all serving the same nation.
Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc( ), NPM, hosted the first Interfaith Iftar and Lent Dinner in the history of the Nigeria Police Force. The event was warm, thoughtful, and full of meaning.
This was not by chance. It was intentional.
The IGP showed last night that a police force divided by religion cannot protect a nation united by citizenship. Before being Muslim or Christian, each officer is a policeman. Before observing Ramadan or Lent, each one wears a uniform that represents every Nigerian.
At the event, the IGP pointed out that Ramadan and Lent, though different, share the same foundation: reflection, sacrifice, selflessness, and service. These are the values every officer promises to uphold.
No faith was put above another, and no tradition was left out. Every officer felt included.
The IGP also told Nigerians that security has been improved in every state. There are more officers on duty, better surveillance, and proactive steps to keep everyone safe during the festive season.
When the force is united, it can protect the public more effectively.
In this workplace, faith does not divide people; it brings them together. Last night, that unity was clear, with many shared values, a common mission, and a table where everyone had a place.
This is what inclusive leadership is. This is what it means to have a united force.
Ramadan Kareem. Wishing everyone a blessed Lenten season.
IGP DISU HOSTS HISTORIC INTERFAITH IFTAR AND LENT DINNER FOR POLICE OFFICERS, ASSURES ENHANCED SECURITY NATIONWIDE
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc( ), NPM, yesterday hosted a landmark interfaith Iftar and Lent dinner for police officers at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, bringing together personnel of diverse faiths in a demonstration of unity, mutual respect, and shared values.
The event, the first of its kind at the Force Headquarters, was designed to promote interfaith harmony within the Force and reinforce the values of tolerance, discipline, and cohesion among officers.
Dignitaries in attendance included Senator Amos Yohanna, representing the Senate Committee on Police Affairs; Honourable Jafar Yakubu, representing the House Committee on Police Affairs; the President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Mrs. Oluwafumilola Disu; the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu; AIG Hakeem Odumosu (Rtd); Prof. Imam Musa of the Ansar-ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Abuja Branch; and other stakeholders.
In his remarks, IGP Tunji Disu reflected on the significance of Ramadan and Lent as periods of reflection, sacrifice, and service, noting that despite differences in faith and tradition, officers of the Nigeria Police Force are united by shared values of discipline, compassion, and devotion to duty. He emphasized the importance of religious harmony within the Force as a foundation for professionalism and effective service delivery. The IGP also extended warm wishes to Muslim faithful on the occasion of the Ramadan season, urging them to embody the values of peace, tolerance, and selflessness associated with the period.
IGP Disu also assured that security has been significantly strengthened across all States of the Federation, with enhanced deployments, increased surveillance, and proactive measures emplaced across Commands and Formations to ensure a safe and peaceful environment throughout the festive period.
DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID psc( ) mni
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
19th March, 2026