IGP Decorates Winners Of Police Award With New Ranks

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, will on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, decorate officers recently promoted by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

Egbetokun described the officers as individuals whose conduct, courage, and character have distinguished them in service to the nation.

He said they would not only be promoted but also publicly endorsed for “excellence.”

He noted that the decoration represents a national salute to officers who, despite the odds, chose “the path of integrity, went the extra mile, and reminded the country what true service looks like”.

According to force spokesperson , DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the promotions follow an earlier recommendation to elevate officers named Police Officer of the Year or who won in any police award category twice in two consecutive years.

Adejobi said that commitment made transparently and intentionally was driven by the IGP’s deep belief that rewarding excellence is the cornerstone of institutional reform.

He said, ‎” In line with that resolution from the Force Management Team meeting of 23rd June 2025, the names of qualifying officers were forwarded to the Police Service Commission and the Commission has now conveyed its approval.

‎”Accordingly, the Inspector-General of Police will, on Tuesday, 5th August 2025 by noon, at the IGP Smart Conference Room, Force Headquarters, Abuja, decorate the following officers:

“CSP Shaba Aliyu, Police Officer of the Year 2023, promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police with effect from 31st December 2023.

“SP Sentome Obi, Police Officer of the Year 2024, promoted to Chief Superintendent of Police with effect from 31st December 2024.

‎”These officers are not alone. Also benefiting from this wave of accelerated promotions are those who have won awards twice within the last two award circles and several Staff Officers at the IGP Secretariat, who have received multiple commendation letters in the past two years for distinguished service.”

To facilitate the process, Adejobi said the IGP directed the use of the police jet to convey the officers to Abuja.

He added that their photographs would be displayed at the Force Headquarters in Abuja and the entrances of the Zonal and State Command Headquarters.

He continued, “To underscore the importance of this moment, the Inspector-General has directed the deployment of the police jet to convey ACP Aliyu Shaba, Police man of the year 2023 and CSP Sentome Obi, police man of the year 2024 to Abuja for their formal decoration by the IGP.

“In addition, the photographs of ACP Shaba and CSP Sentome Obi, who embody the highest ideals of courage and honesty, have been proudly displayed at the main entrance of Force Headquarters, as earlier directed by the IGP.

“Also directives have earlier been given to the effect that their pictures be displayed at the entrances of Zonal and States Command Headquarters.

‎”This is what institutional pride looks like. This is how trust is built, from within.”

The IGP further urged officers nationwide to uphold the Force’s mandate of integrity, adding that, “Your sacrifices are seen. Your integrity will not go unnoticed. And the Nigeria Police Force, under the current leadership, is committed to ensuring that professionalism is not just praised—but promoted.”