By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s successor, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Tuesday decorated 30 senior police officers recently promoted to the ranks of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and Commissioner of Police, urging them to embrace their new responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and a commitment to public service.

The decoration ceremony, held at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, formally marked the elevation of 13 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police and 17 Commissioners of Police. The event celebrated the officers’ years of dedicated service and contributions to the Nigeria Police Force.

Addressing the newly promoted officers, IGP Disu described the promotions as recognition of hard work, resilience and commitment to duty. He noted that the new ranks come with greater responsibilities and expectations, calling on the officers to provide exemplary leadership in their respective commands and departments.

The police chief acknowledged the sacrifices made by officers throughout their careers, noting that many had missed important family events, celebrations and personal milestones while serving the nation. He commended their dedication and perseverance in the face of the demanding nature of policing.

The IGP also paid tribute to the families of the promoted officers, describing them as critical partners in the success of police personnel. He thanked spouses, children and relatives for their unwavering support and understanding throughout the officers’ years of service.

Emphasising the importance of leadership, Disu urged the newly promoted officers to prioritise the welfare of the personnel under their command, stressing that officers who care for their subordinates earn loyalty, trust and greater operational effectiveness.

He further challenged them to strengthen public confidence in the police through professionalism, fairness and accountability in the discharge of their duties. According to him, public trust remains essential to effective policing and national security.

The Inspector-General also encouraged the officers to serve as mentors to younger personnel, urging them to pass on the values of discipline, dedication and integrity to the next generation of police leaders.

He advised the officers to wear their new ranks with humility, reminding them that promotion is not merely a reward but a call to greater service and responsibility. He assured them of the Force leadership’s continued commitment to their welfare and professional development.

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

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

The ceremony attracted several prominent dignitaries from across the country. Among them were the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Dr Oyekachukwu Ibezim; the Deputy National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Hajia Zainab Ibrahim; the Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, who represented Governor Umar Namadi; and Engr. Ken Ekwemigo, MFR, who represented the Governor of Anambra State.

Other notable guests included His Royal Highness Clement Ikolo, the Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, and Brigadier-General K.C. Uwa, alongside senior security officials, traditional rulers and invited guests.

The event underscored the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to recognising excellence, rewarding professionalism and strengthening leadership within its ranks as part of broader efforts to enhance operational efficiency and improve service delivery nationwide.

Police authorities reiterated their commitment to the welfare, professional advancement and operational readiness of personnel, pledging to continue building a modern, accountable and citizen-focused police institution capable of meeting Nigeria’s evolving security challenges.