IGP Disu Pledges Stronger Investment in Police Sports After Ezekiel Nathaniel’s Commonwealth Games Gold.

IGP Disu Pledges Stronger Investment in Police Sports After Ezekiel Nathaniel’s Commonwealth Games Gold.

Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu has pledged sustained investment in sports within the Nigeria Police Force after receiving Corporal Ezekiel Nathaniel, who made history by winning gold in the men’s 400 metres hurdles at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Nathaniel secured the historic victory in 48.47 seconds, becoming the first Nigerian man to win Commonwealth Games gold in the 400m hurdles. His performance also added to Nigeria’s growing presence in athletics at the Glasgow Games and reinforced the contribution of police athletes to the country’s international sporting success. The Guardian’s live coverage of the Games also reported Nathaniel’s gold medal victory and his winning time.

Receiving the athlete at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, Disu described Nathaniel’s achievement as a reflection of the longstanding relationship between policing and sports, stressing that discipline, teamwork and excellence are values shared by both fields. The IGP said the Force would continue to identify, nurture and celebrate officers with sporting talent, while providing them with the support needed to excel both in their careers and competitions.

Disu, who is himself an accomplished judoka and a former international competitor, said Nathaniel’s achievement was particularly significant to him as a fellow sportsman. He congratulated the corporal for bringing honour to the Nigeria Police Force and the country, while expressing hope that the Commonwealth triumph would be the beginning of further success.

The pledge comes against the backdrop of the Nigeria Police Force’s established involvement in competitive sports. The Force has previously highlighted the achievements of its athletes at national and international competitions, including Nathaniel among its recognized sporting champions.

Nathaniel’s latest success also builds on his emergence as one of Nigeria’s leading 400m hurdles athletes. World Athletics records show that he has consistently competed at the highest international level, including the 2023 World Championships, where he advanced to the semi finals.

The development places renewed attention on the importance of institutional support for Nigerian athletes, particularly those combining public service with elite competition. Sustained investment in training, facilities, coaching and athlete welfare could help the Police Force retain and develop more athletes capable of representing Nigeria on the global stage.