By George Ozalla
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Monday decorated eight senior officers who were recently elevated to the rank of Deputy Inspectors General of Police in a ceremony held at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The decoration ceremony formally ushered the newly promoted officers into the highest operational leadership cadre of the Nigeria Police Force, marking another step in the ongoing reorganisation of the Force’s management structure.
Speaking during the event, the police chief described the occasion as more than a routine tradition, noting that the elevation to the rank of Deputy Inspector General represents recognition of years of dedication, professional competence, and proven leadership within the policing system.
He urged the officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by providing strategic direction that would strengthen internal discipline within the Force, while advancing ongoing reforms aimed at improving operational efficiency and public trust in policing.
According to a press statement signed by the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Isuku Victor Anipr, the Inspector General also encouraged the newly decorated officers to deploy their experience in intelligence-led policing, operational coordination and inter-agency collaboration in addressing the country’s evolving security challenges.
The statement noted that the police chief further charged them to uphold accountability and inspire confidence within the Force while strengthening public trust through professional and responsive policing strategies.
During the ceremony, the Inspector General also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support for the Nigeria Police and commended the Police Service Commission for ensuring transparency and professionalism in the promotion process.
He also acknowledged the families of the promoted officers, describing their sacrifices and encouragement as crucial to the distinguished careers of the senior police officers.
The officers decorated to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police are Zachariah Fera Achinyan, Zango Ibrahim Baba, Isyaku Mohammed, Margaret Agebe Ochalla, Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, Fayoade Adegoke Mustapha and Umar Shehu Nadada.
With their elevation, the newly promoted officers now join the Inspector General and the Force Secretary, Assistant Inspector General Olabode Adeleye Akinbamilowo, as members of the Force Management Team responsible for strategic leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
Several dignitaries attended the ceremony, including the Chairman of the House Committee on Airforce, Rt. Hon. Kabir Alhassan Rurum; Director General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr. Temitope Ilori; former Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Danladi Kefas; former Chairman of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency, Engr. Jide Adeniji; and Kogi State Commissioner, Muhammed Abdulmutalik.
Others present were the traditional ruler of Zazzau in Zaria, the wife of former Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase, Mrs. Arese Arase, former spokesperson of the Department of State Services, Marilyn Ogar, as well as retired senior police officers including Austin Iwa and Alobi.
