President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially inaugurated the 15th Biennial Police Games 2026, calling on officers to compete with honour, discipline, and sportsmanship, while cautioning against viewing the competition as a “do-or-die affair.”
The week-long national sporting event is underway at Stephen Keshi Stadium, featuring contingents from the 17 Zonal Commands of the Nigeria Police Force alongside the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
BIPOGA, which traces its origins to the 1940s, has grown into the Force’s premier internal sporting competition, aimed at enhancing fitness, fostering camaraderie among commands, and promoting community engagement.
Speaking through the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, the President described the Games as a strategic initiative to strengthen professionalism and operational effectiveness within the Force.
He stressed that national security forms the backbone of economic growth and social stability, asserting that service in uniform must be guided by “character, competence and conduct,” in alignment with this year’s theme, Beyond the Badge: Excellence in Action.
“A physically fit, mentally resilient and morally grounded Police Force is indispensable to national security,” Tinubu stated, adding that organised sports are essential tools for cohesion, institutional discipline, and operational readiness.
In his welcome remarks, Sheriff Oborevwori assured participants of an unforgettable tournament, citing Delta State’s history of hosting major sporting events, including the 2018 African Senior Athletics Championships, the National Sports Festival, and the National Youth Games.
He emphasised that the Games are designed to celebrate discipline, teamwork, and excellence, rather than merely medal counts.
Highlighting the role of fitness in modern policing, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who also serves as the chief host, described BIPOGA as vital for fostering unity and professionalism.
“A fit officer is a safe officer, and a disciplined competitor is a disciplined professional,” he said, stressing the importance of endurance, agility, and mental toughness in contemporary law enforcement.
