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By: Manoah Kikekon
BADAGRY — In a symbolic shift from crime-fighting to community service, the Area K Command of the Nigeria Police Force took to the streets of Badagry on Monday morning to lead a high-profile environmental sanitation exercise.
The initiative, led by ACP Adeleke Smith, the Area Commander of Area K, saw top brass and rank-and-file officers swapping handcuffs for brooms and shovels at the busy Badagry Roundabout. The exercise is a cornerstone event of the 2026 National Police Week, celebrated under the global theme: “Community Partnership: Building Trust.”
The sanitation drive was not a solitary effort. ACP Smith was joined by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the Badagry Division, CSP Folajimi Agosile, along with DPOs and personnel drawn from across the command’s jurisdiction.
Officers from six key divisions participated in the exercise, including: Seme and Badagry Divisions, Morogbo and Ijanikin Divisions, Isashi and Ilemba-Hausa Divisions.
Under the early morning sun on Monday, March 30, 2026, the officers cleared debris, swept the roundabout walkways, and tidied adjoining drainage areas. The sight of uniform-clad men and women engaging in manual labor drew cheers from commuters and local traders, many of whom joined in to assist the officers.
The 2026 National Police Week aims to bridge the historical gap between law enforcement and the citizenry. By choosing a public landmark like the Badagry Roundabout the nerve center of the division the Area K Command sought to humanize the force and demonstrate that the police are an integral part of the community’s daily life.
“This isn't just about cleaning the environment; it’s about cleaning the perception of the police,” one senior officer noted during the exercise. “When the community sees us working for their comfort outside of an arrest scenario, it builds a foundation of mutual respect.”
The outreach also served as a platform for public awareness. Officers used the opportunity to sensitize residents on the link between environmental cleanliness and security. Blocked drainages and overgrown bushes are often cited as hideouts for petty criminals, and the sanitation exercise underscored the police's commitment to eliminating such hazards.
The Area K Command has signaled that this exercise is only the beginning of a week-long series of engagements, including town hall meetings and sports competitions, all aimed at solidifying the bond between the "Police and the People."
As the National Police Week continues across Nigeria, the Badagry sanitation drive stands out as a practical application of the “Community Partnership” theme. Residents have lauded the initiative, calling for more frequent collaborations that allow the police to interact with the public in non-confrontational settings.