Pix: Omoba Kenneth Aigbegbele, Former Inspector General of Police Dr. Mike Okiro, receiving the award from Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor, and Chief James Okoronkwo

By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

Former Inspector General of Police, Dr Mike Mbama Okiro,,, has been selected for the prestigious People’s Security Monitor (PSM) Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished National Policing Leadership Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to policing, institutional development and national security in Nigeria. The award celebrates his distinguished career in the Nigeria Police Force and his contributions to the advancement of law enforcement and public safety.

Okiro, who served as the 15th Inspector General of Police from 2007 to 2009, occupied one of the most important leadership positions in Nigeria’s internal security architecture. His tenure came at a critical period when the country was confronting complex security challenges, including armed robbery, kidnapping, violent crimes and other threats to public safety. His elevation to the highest professional office in the police hierarchy reflected decades of experience and service within the force.

Throughout his policing career, Okiro served in various operational, administrative and leadership capacities, acquiring considerable experience in crime prevention, police administration and internal security management. His tenure as Inspector General placed him at the centre of national efforts to strengthen law enforcement, improve police operations and sustain public confidence in the country’s principal internal security institution.

The PSM Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished National Policing Leadership Award is designed to recognise individuals whose professional contributions have made enduring impressions on Nigeria’s security landscape. In selecting Okiro, the organisation seeks to acknowledge not only his years of service but also his place in the institutional history of the Nigeria Police Force. The recognition equally underscores the importance of honouring former security chiefs whose careers have contributed to the development of law enforcement and national security administration.

According to the award’s guiding philosophy, effective policing requires visionary leadership, discipline, professionalism, institutional accountability and a strong relationship between security agencies and the communities they serve. These principles remain central to the expectations of modern policing in Nigeria. Okiro’s recognition therefore provides an opportunity to reflect on the responsibilities associated with police leadership and the need to preserve valuable institutional experience for the benefit of succeeding generations of officers.

The award also reinforces People’s Security Monitor’s commitment to celebrating distinguished personalities and institutions making meaningful contributions to national security, public safety and the protection of lives and property. Through its recognition programme, PSM seeks to encourage excellence, promote professionalism and draw public attention to individuals whose service deserves national appreciation. The organisation considers the recognition of experienced security administrators an important part of strengthening public discourse on security sector development.

Okiro’s selection for the award represents a significant honour for the former police chief and an acknowledgement of his place in Nigeria’s policing history. As the country continues to pursue reforms aimed at building a more effective, accountable and citizen-focused police institution, his professional experience remains part of the institutional heritage from which future police leaders can draw lessons. The Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished National Policing Leadership Award therefore stands as PSM’s tribute to his years of service and contribution to the advancement of policing and national security in Nigeria.