Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has received Nigeria Police Force athlete Ezekiel Nathaniel at the Force Headquarters in Abuja following his historic gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Nathaniel, a police corporal, won the men’s 400-meter hurdles in Glasgow, Scotland, on 31st July 2026, becoming the first Nigerian to win gold in the event at the Commonwealth Games.
The 23-year-old clocked 48.47 seconds to finish ahead of England’s Jake Minshull, who won silver, and Jamaica’s Assinie Wilson, who took bronze.
Disu, who hosted Nathaniel at the police headquarters, said the victory showed the strong connection between the police and sports.
“The Nigeria Police Force and sports have always been twins, bound together by shared values of discipline, teamwork and excellence,” Disu said.
“This victory is a powerful reminder of that bond, and of what our personnel can achieve when given the platform and support to thrive both in service and in competition.”
The police chief promised continued support for athletes within the force, saying the police would invest in sports and develop sporting talents among its personnel.
“I want Corporal Ezekiel Nathaniel, and every officer watching, to know that this Force will continue to invest in and support police sports,” Disu said.
“We will keep identifying, nurturing and celebrating talent within our ranks, because a Force that is strong in body and spirit is a Force that serves the nation better.”
Disu, who described himself as a sportsman, said he was proud of Nathaniel’s achievement.
“As a sportsman myself, I take particular pride in this achievement,” he said.
“Corporal Ezekiel Nathaniel, you have honoured your uniform, your Force and your country.”
Nathaniel’s gold was also Nigeria’s first track gold in Glasgow.
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