The Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has decorated police officers promoted for exceptional service.
The ceremony, held on Tuesday, at the IGP smart conference room at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, honoured officers whose courage, character and consistent display of integrity earned them national recognition and accelerated promotions.
Among those decorated were ACP Shaba Aliyu, the Police Officer of the Year 2023, who was promoted from chief superintendent of police (CSP) to assistant commissioner of police and CSP Sentome Obi, Police Officer of the Year 2024, promoted from superintendent of police (SP) to chief superintendent of police.
Both officers were airlifted to Abuja on the police jet for the ceremony.
Their photographs have also been prominently displayed at the entrance of the Force Headquarters, as well as Zonal and State Command headquarters, in line with directives from the IGP.
According to the force public relations officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the promotions are a direct implementation of the IGP’s previously announced commitment to honouring excellence within the force.
As stated in a July 25 press release, any officer who wins the Police Officer of the Year award or the IGP Recognition Award twice in consecutive years qualifies for accelerated promotion.
“The IGP believes that rewarding excellence is the cornerstone of institutional reform. These are not just promotions; they are public endorsements of excellence,” Adejobi said.
Other beneficiaries of the promotion include officers who have won multiple awards within the last two cycles or received numerous commendation letters for distinguished service, particularly staff at the IGP’s secretariat.
“This is what institutional pride looks like,” the police spokesperson added.
“This is how trust is built, from within.”
The initiative, according to the police leadership, reinforces the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to meritocracy, professionalism and the celebration of officers whose sacrifices often go unseen.
“Your integrity will not go unnoticed,” the statement reads.
“Under the current leadership, professionalism is not just praised but promoted.”
