On December 16, 2024, 27 senior officers in the Nigeria Police Force were elevated to higher ranks through a major promotion exercise, a crucial effort to build stronger leadership, improve operational effectiveness, and enhance commitment within the force across different states in Nigeria.
Eleven Commissioners of Police have been elevated to the rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs), while sixteen Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) have been elevated to the rank of Commissioners of Police (CPs). The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation process designed to ensure merit, commitment, and adherence to professionalism across the police hierarchy.
Prominent names feature among the new AIGs. Mustapha Bala, who serves as the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Umar Nadada, Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa State, and Abayomi Oladipo, the Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, are now stepping into higher leadership roles as AIGs. Their advancement signals a commitment to excellence and discipline within the force.
Similarly, the newly appointed Commissioners of Police include notable officers like Kayode Ojapinwa, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in the Special Crime and Investigation Department, FCT; Emmanuel Ighodalo, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in Zone 8, Lokoja; and Bose Akinyemi, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in the Special Enquiry Bureau at the FCID Annex in Lagos. These officers are expected to bring their experience and commitment to their new roles, ensuring professionalism and accountability across the force.
Ikechukwu Ani, the spokesperson for the Police Service Commission, made it clear in an official statement that the promotions were the result of a thorough assessment process. He detailed that the candidates underwent both written and oral examinations held at the PSC headquarters to assess their leadership skills, knowledge, and commitment to service excellence.
DIG Hashimu Argungu (retired), the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, pointed out that these promotions reflect the Commission’s commitment to nurturing a culture of professionalism and continuous development within the police force. He stressed that written and oral evaluations would now become a standard requirement in the promotion process. DIG Argungu urged all police officers to pursue professional growth with diligence, aligning themselves with global best practices, including a robust understanding of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
The promotion exercise represents a significant milestone in the PSC’s ongoing efforts to improve the structure and integrity of leadership within the Nigeria Police Force. By prioritizing merit and professional development, the Commission aims to build a police force that operates with higher efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
The newly promoted officers are expected to bring renewed commitment and dedication to their roles, ensuring that they contribute positively to the ongoing efforts to maintain law and order across Nigeria. Their leadership positions will be crucial in implementing policies, driving operational effectiveness, and fostering a stronger community presence that ultimately strengthens public trust in the police force.