Nigeria Police honour outstanding officers with historic promotions

In a move designed to entrench meritocracy and boost morale within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, will on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, decorate a select group of exceptional officers recently approved for promotion by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

The event, scheduled for 12 noon at the IGP Smart Conference Room, Force Headquarters, Abuja, marks a significant moment in the Force’s evolving culture of reward and institutional pride.

The promotions are not routine—they are a national recognition of courage, character, and outstanding service to the country.

Among those to be honoured are officers who have distinguished themselves by winning national police awards and receiving multiple commendations for integrity and excellence.

Prominent among the honourees are: CSP Shaba Aliyu, Police Officer of the Year 2023, promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), with effect from December 31, 2023.

SP Sentome Obi, Police Officer of the Year 2024, promoted to Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), effective December 31, 2024.

In a show of respect for their achievements, the IGP has directed the deployment of the police jet to convey both officers to Abuja for the decoration ceremony.

Additionally, their portraits have been prominently displayed at the main entrance of the Force Headquarters in Abuja—symbolizing their embodiment of the highest ideals of policing.

Similar directives have been issued to Zonal and State Command Headquarters to mount their portraits at their entrances.

This initiative follows a clear policy direction announced in Press Release No. CZ:5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/472 dated July 25, 2025, in which the Force publicly pledged to recommend for accelerated promotion any officer who wins a national Police Award or receives the IGP Recognition Award twice in two consecutive years.

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The resolution was endorsed during the Force Management Team meeting of June 23, 2025, and the names of qualifying officers were promptly submitted to the Police Service Commission. The PSC has now formally approved the promotions.

Beyond the two headline honourees, several other officers are also benefiting from the wave of accelerated promotions, including those who have received multiple commendation letters or national recognitions in recent years.

Among them are staff officers at the IGP Secretariat who have shown consistent professionalism and exemplary dedication to duty.

Speaking on the significance of the exercise, the IGP reaffirmed that “rewarding excellence is the cornerstone of institutional reform.” According to him, “This is how we rebuild trust—by recognising service, promoting integrity, and reminding our officers that honour in uniform will always be acknowledged.”

The promotion exercise signals a cultural shift within the Nigeria Police Force, where hard work, ethical conduct, and bravery are visibly celebrated. It also aims to counter the often-repeated notion that police work is a thankless job.

“To every officer across Nigeria,” the IGP declared, “this is your reminder: Your sacrifices are not invisible. Your integrity will not go unrewarded. And under this leadership, professionalism is not just admired—it is promoted.”

The Nigeria Police Force says it remains committed to building a culture where excellence is the standard, not the exception—where the badge is not just worn, but honoured.