Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
THE Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, decorated newly promoted senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force at a colourful ceremony held at the Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Prominent among the officers elevated was Delta State Commissioner of Police Abaniwonda Surajudeen Olufemi, who was promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), marking a significant milestone in his policing career.
The ceremony witnessed the decoration of one Assistant Inspector-General of Police to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police, seven Commissioners of Police to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, and thirteen Deputy Commissioners of Police to substantive Commissioners of Police.
The promotions followed a rigorous and transparent exercise conducted by the Police Service Commission, during which a total of 1,210 officers were promoted nationwide.
Those decorated included DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel; newly promoted AIGs Ihebom M. Chukwuma, Olatokunbo Maxwell Olabisi, Abaniwonda Surajudeen Olufemi, Lawal Babatunde Ayodeji, Emmanuel Agene, Alonyenu Francis Iduh and Vungmoh S. M. Kwaimo. Others were Commissioners of Police Johnson Ayodeji Babalola, Adepegba K. Adetoye, Tabitha Bako, Umar Ali Fagge, Audu Garba Bosso, Edwin Esiunnoh Ogbeghegha, Arikpo Ofem Ikpi, Cyril Uchenna Obiozo, Samuel Yerima Gimba, Alhaji Mohammed Danladi, Richard Bala Gara, Lasisi A. Titilola and Obuagbaka C. John.
Distinguished guests at the event included the Executive Governors of Delta and Jigawa States, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Orohwedor Oborevwori and Mallam Umar A. Namadi, FCA; a member of the House of Representatives representing Bida, Gboko and Katcha Constituencies, Hon. S.M.A. Gworozo Nupe; former Deputy Governor of Edo State and Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu; and the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.
Members of the Force Management Team, serving and retired senior police officers, as well as families and well-wishers of the promoted officers, were also in attendance.
Addressing the gathering, the IGP described the promotions as a mark of institutional trust and confidence in the officers’ leadership capacity and readiness for higher responsibility.
He commended the Police Service Commission for its diligence and transparency, acknowledged the sacrifices of officers’ families, and charged the newly promoted senior officers to justify their elevation through ethical, results-driven leadership that strengthens professionalism, operational effectiveness and public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
