By Jane Salihu,
The Nigeria Police Force has celebrated the historic achievement of its officer, Corporal Ezekiel Nathaniel, following his gold medal victory in the men’s 400 metres hurdles at the ongoing Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on Saturday, the Police described Nathaniel’s triumph as a source of immense pride for the Force and the nation, saying it reflects the values of discipline, resilience and excellence that define the institution.
Nathaniel stormed to victory in the men’s 400 metres hurdles final, crossing the finish line in 48.47 seconds to secure Nigeria’s first gold medal in the event at the Games. The feat marks a significant improvement from his sixth-place finish at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Riliwan Disu, congratulated the athlete for bringing honour to Nigeria and the Police Force, noting that his performance serves as an inspiration to officers and personnel across the country.
According to the statement, the Force leadership attributed the success to sustained institutional support for sports development under the current administration.
The Police noted that Nathaniel’s achievement aligns with the Inspector-General’s strategic agenda on sports development, personnel welfare and capacity building, stressing that efforts to identify, nurture and support talented athletes within the Force remain a priority.
It added that sports continue to play a vital role in enhancing physical fitness, boosting morale among personnel and promoting positive engagement with young people nationwide.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to investing in sports as a tool for building a healthier, more motivated and professional workforce while congratulating Corporal Nathaniel on his landmark achievement and wishing him greater success in future international competitions.
