The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has charged newly promoted senior police officers to lead with uncompromising integrity and humanity, urging them to prioritise the welfare of officers under their command while working to rebuild public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

Disu gave the charge on Tuesday during the decoration ceremony of 30 newly promoted Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) and Commissioners of Police (CPs) at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The ceremony formally decorated officers recently elevated to the ranks of AIG and CP in recognition of what the police described as years of dedicated and meritorious service.

Addressing the officers, the IGP described their promotion as a call to greater responsibility rather than a reward, noting that policing often comes with significant personal sacrifices.

He acknowledged the birthdays, family celebrations and other important personal milestones many of the officers had missed in the course of their careers, while also commending their families for their steadfast support and sacrifices.

Disu urged the officers to earn the trust and loyalty of personnel under their command by genuinely pursuing their welfare.

He also tasked them with strengthening public confidence in the Force through exemplary conduct and sound decision-making, while mentoring younger officers who look up to them as role models.

The police chief further admonished the newly promoted officers to wear their new ranks with humility as much as pride, assuring them that the Force would continue to prioritise their welfare as they assume higher responsibilities.

Among those decorated as Assistant Inspectors-General of Police were Obono Nnaghe Itam, Bassey Samuel Ewah, Osagie John Agans-Irabor, Monday Agbonika, Iyamah Daniel Edobor, Isah Danladi Nda, Akaninyene Ifebem Ezima, Livingstein Ikioye Orutugu, Bello Rashid Afegbua, Hycenth Azuka Edozie, Haruna Alaba Yahaya, Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari and Betty Enekpen Otimenyin.

The newly decorated Commissioners of Police include Nelson Nwamanna, Bolanle Aremu Murtala, Danbaba Mohammed Labbo, Ajayi Oluyemi, Rita Oyintare Oki, Iya Umar Mohammed, Darma Nuhu Na’aliyu, Nurudeen A. Sabo, Tijani Murtala, Yakubu Mohammed, Ibrahim Lukunche Usman, Akingbade C. Adeyinka, Mohammed Hassan Ahmed, Samuel Erale Etaifo, Taiwo A. Adedeji, Ibrahim Umar D. Zungura and Zainab Audu Pembi.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Dr Oyekachukwu Ibezim; Deputy National Woman Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Hajia Zainab Ibrahim; Speaker of the Jigawa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Haruna Aliyu Dangyatin, who represented the state governor; Engr. Ken Ekwemigo, representing the Governor of Anambra State; Controller-General of the Nigeria Correctional Service, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche; Brigadier-General K.C. Uwa; and traditional ruler, Clement Ikolo.

The force public relations officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, added that the police remained committed to the welfare, professional development and operational readiness of its personnel as part of efforts to build an institution that reflects Nigerians’ expectations for safety, integrity and accountable policing.