At least 4,000 police officers across the country will converge on Ibadan for the 14th Biennial Police Games coming up from February 24 to March 2.

The force’s spokesman, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated this while addressing journalists on preparation for the game tagged ‘Oluyole 2024’ on Thursday in Ibadan.

He said that the game’s theme, ‘Competing for Peace, Unity, Stability and Development of Nigeria’, was strategically picked to identify good talents that would join hands with the government in producing good brains that would develop the nation’s sports.

Mr Adejobi noted that 17 contingents from the 17 Zonal Commands in the force would compete at the biennial event. He added that the game would also feature sports contingents from sister security agencies and departments.

“Nigeria Police Force(NPF) has a very good history when it comes to sports development in Nigeria. For many years,, NPF has been at the forefront of projecting and producing talents in all sports areas in Nigeria and globally.

“We have produced a very large number of athletes in football, volleyball, basketball and other games. We know that if an officer is not mentally and physically fit, such an officer can not discharge duties as a gallant officer or security agent.

“We are doing this in preparation to attain our primacy in the internal security of this country,” he said.

Mr Adejobi assured Nigerians that the game would not reduce effective policing across the country as adequate arrangements had been made to ensure the maximum security of lives and properties across the country.

Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, said the game would positively contribute to Oyo’s socio-economic development.

“The administration of Governor Seyi Makinde enables potentials and believes that the police games will be one of the platforms to discover new talents for the state and country at large.

“Several stadia have been prepared to ensure that everything needed by officers is adequately provided. We are hoping that the tournament would produce talents for the Olympic games and other global competitions,” she said.

The 13th Biennial Police Games was held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, from November 23 to 30, 2022.

(NAN)