Police: Disu decorates 13 AIGs, 17 CPs, says promotion comes with greater responsibility

Stanley Ihedigbo

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has formally decorated 30 senior police officers recently promoted to the ranks of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) and Commissioner of Police (CP), charging them to embrace integrity, humanity and responsible leadership in the discharge of their duties.

The decoration ceremony, held on Tuesday at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja, marked the formal investiture of the newly promoted officers following their elevation in recognition of their years of dedicated, meritorious and professional service to the Nigeria Police Force.

The officers comprised 13 newly promoted Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and 17 Commissioners of Police.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, CSP Anietie Okokon Edem Iniedu, addressing the newly decorated senior officers, IGP Disu congratulated them on their elevation, stressing that their new ranks represented not only a reward for their years of service but also a call to greater responsibility and higher expectations.

He noted that the journey to the top of the police hierarchy was often demanding and personally costly, requiring officers to make significant sacrifices in the course of protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order across the country.

The Inspector-General recalled that many police officers had been compelled to miss important personal and family milestones, including birthdays, family celebrations and other significant occasions, because of the demands of their profession.

He therefore commended the newly promoted officers for their dedication and resilience, while also acknowledging the sacrifices made by their families throughout their careers.

According to him, the support and understanding of family members have remained an important part of the success of many police officers, particularly those whose responsibilities often require them to be away from their loved ones for extended periods.

The IGP extended his appreciation to the families of the newly promoted officers for standing by them and supporting them through the challenges and demands associated with police service.

While charging the officers to justify the confidence reposed in them, IGP Disu urged them to lead with uncompromising integrity and humanity, stressing that their conduct in office would have a direct impact on the morale of the personnel under their command and the confidence of members of the public in the Nigeria Police Force.

He emphasised the importance of prioritising the welfare of police personnel, noting that senior officers who genuinely care for the wellbeing of the men and women under their command would earn their loyalty, commitment and support.

The IGP also tasked the newly promoted officers with the responsibility of building public confidence in the police through their decisions, actions and professional conduct.

He urged them to remain conscious of the enormous responsibilities attached to their new positions and to ensure that their leadership contributes positively to the transformation and professionalisation of the Force.

Beyond their immediate responsibilities, IGP Disu charged the senior officers to serve as mentors to younger police personnel who look up to them for guidance, direction and inspiration.

He urged them to lead by example and create an environment where younger officers could develop professionally while upholding the core values and ethical standards of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Inspector-General further advised the officers to wear their new ranks with humility as much as with pride, reminding them that promotion should come with a greater sense of duty, accountability and service to the nation.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the police leadership to the welfare and professional development of officers and personnel as they assume their new responsibilities.

The newly decorated Assistant Inspectors-General of Police are AIG Obono Nnaghe Itam; AIG Bassey Samuel Ewah; AIG Osagie John Agans-Irabor; AIG Monday Agbonika, psc, fdc; AIG Iyamah Daniel Edobor; AIG Isah Danladi Nda; AIG Akaninyene Ifebem Ezima, psc, mnips; AIG Livingstein Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips; AIG Bello Rashid Afegbua, psc, mnips; AIG Hycenth Azuka Edozie, psc, mnips; AIG Haruna Alaba Yahaya, psc, mnips; AIG Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, mnips; and AIG Betty Enekpen Otimenyin.

Also decorated were the newly elevated Commissioners of Police, CP Nelson Nwamanna; CP Bolanle Aremu Murtala; CP Danbaba Mohammed Labbo; CP Ajayi Oluyemi; CP Rita Oyintare Oki; CP Iya Umar Mohammed; CP Darma Nuhu Na’aliyu; CP Nurudeen A. Sabo; CP Tijani Murtala; CP Yakubu Mohammed; CP Ibrahim Lukunche Usman; CP Akingbade C. Adeyinka; CP Mohammed Hassan Ahmed; CP Samuel Erale Etaifo; CP Taiwo A. Adedeji; CP Ibrahim Umar D. Zungura; and CP Zainab Audu Pembi.

The ceremony attracted a number of distinguished guests, including the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Peter Agbe Odey; Deputy National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hajia Zainab Ibrahim; and the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, who represented the Governor of Jigawa State.

Others in attendance included Engr. Ken Ekwemigo, MFR, representing the Governor of Anambra State; His Royal Highness, Clement Ikolo; the Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche; and Brigadier-General K.C. Uwa.

The decoration of the 30 senior officers further underscored the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to recognising professional excellence, dedication and meritorious service among its personnel.

As the newly promoted officers assume their new ranks and responsibilities, expectations are high that they will bring their wealth of experience to bear in strengthening police operations, improving personnel welfare, mentoring younger officers and deepening public trust in the Force.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to the welfare, professional growth and operational readiness of its officers at all levels, as part of ongoing efforts to build a professional, responsive and accountable police institution capable of meeting the security expectations and aspirations of Nigerians.