RismadarVoice Reporters, April 2, 2026
Police officers in Abuja on Monday carried out a street sanitation exercise at Area One Motor Park and adjoining streets as part of activities to commemorate this year’s Police Day.
The exercise, which extended to a nearby market, saw officers sweeping streets, clearing refuse, and interacting with residents in a community outreach aimed at strengthening police-public relations.
In a show of engagement, some officers assisted residents with washing clothes, while the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Sanusi, briefly operated a shop owner’s sewing machine—gestures that drew cheers from members of the community.
Sanusi said the initiative was in line with programmes approved by the Inspector-General of Police to foster closer ties with civilians.
“The IGP has graciously slated programmes for us to have community outreach, medical outreach for members of the civil populace, and then engage in environmental sanitation to impact civil society so they will know that we are part of them,” he said.
He added that the exercise was designed to demonstrate the importance of cleanliness and project a more friendly and approachable image of the police.
Reacting to the positive reception from residents, the police commissioner described it as a sign of growing public acceptance.
“We have been accepted by them, they love us, and that’s why they are cheering us up. We are very happy and will reciprocate by giving them better services,” he said.
A resident, Saliu Aliyu, commended the initiative, noting that it would help improve trust and collaboration between citizens and the police.
“This is a welcome development which will help boost the relationship between the citizens and the police. We want them to truly be our friends so we can all join hands to tackle security challenges,” he said.
The sanitation exercise forms part of nationwide activities marking Police Day, with commands directed to undertake community outreach programmes, including medical services and environmental sanitation.
