By Abdulkareem Haruna

Maiduguri, Nigeria – The Borno State Command of the Nigerian Police held a Walkathon today, marking the final phase of their Police Week celebrations.

This trekking event, which spanned approximately 15 kilometers, aimed not only to promote physical fitness among officers but also to reassure the community of their unwavering commitment to restoring safety and security in the region.

Commissioner of Police for Borno State, Mohammed Lawan, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, “Once you become a police officer, you lose the right to be sick or incapacitated.”



He said “the essence of policing is maintaining a sound mind and sound body to effectively serve our communities.” He further elaborated on the importance of physical fitness in ensuring that officers are prepared to meet the challenges of their roles.

The Walkathon is part of a broader activity of the Police Week that includes community town hall engagement activities, a sanitation day, and a medical outreach program.

“This program is not just about enforcing the law; it’s about building a relationship with the community we serve,” Lawan noted.

“We have reached out to the people at a town hall, listened to their priorities, and we are calling for inclusive strategies to address crime and related issues.”



The CP said the event aligns with the vision of the Inspector General of Police, who has focused on creating a people-centric approach within the Nigerian Police Force. Lawan remarked,

“The IGP’s vision is crystal clear: we must be involved with our communities. This Walkathon is a testament to our commitment to ensuring that the Nigerian police are not just enforcers of the law but also active participants in community development.”

Participants in the Walkathon included police officers from various ranks, members of the Police Community Relationship Committee, members of the civil society and and the press, all walking together to foster a sense of unity and purpose.

“The community needs to see that we are capable and dedicated to creating a safe environment for everyone,” Lawan told journalists during a press briefing at the end of the three hours event, emphasizing the importance of visibility and engagement in policing.


At the end of the event, some of the participants concluded, attendees expressed their appreciation for the police’s efforts. “It’s reassuring to see our officers out here, demonstrating their readiness to serve and protect us,” said Kalthum Jafaru, a member of the PCRC, who participated in the Walkathon. “It shows that they care about our safety and well-being.”

The Borno State Command’s activities are set to culminate in National Police Day, which will take place on the 7th of April.

CP Lawan expressed optimism about the future, stating, “Together, we can restore the Borno of our dreams—a place of collective peace, security, and safety. The police are indeed capable of delivering this promise.”