The Police Service Commission (PSC) has announced significant promotions within the Nigerian Police Force, aiming to strengthen various ranks within the organization. In a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Relations at the PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, the promotions include the elevation of 12 Commissioners of Police (CPs) to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIG) and 19 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) to CPs.
The newly appointed AIGs include Ogundele Ayodeji, Patrick Edung, Badru Lawal, Bartholomew Onyeka, Suleiman Yusuf, Idowu Owohunwa, Rhoda Olofu, Godwin Aghaulor, Effiom Ekot, Stanley Ude, Longe Patrick, and Ndu Anene.
Additionally, 265 Superintendents of Police (SPs) have been promoted to Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs), and 59 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) have been promoted to SPs. Furthermore, 4,750 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) and 146 ASPs, who were inadvertently omitted during the May 2022 promotion exercise, have been elevated to the rank of DSP.
Within the specialists’ cadre, two Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), one from the Air Wing and the other from the Forensic Department, were promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP). Additionally, 47 CSPs, comprising 23 doctors and 24 Veterinary Doctors, have been promoted to the rank of ACP.
Promotions were also extended to various units within the police force, including the Computer Info-Tech Unit, Works Department, Workshop, Transport unit, Forensic Department, Ballistics unit, Religion unit, and Veterinary Department. In total, 47 specialists of Assistant Superintendents of Police rank from different units were promoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.
The Chairman of the PSC, Dr. Solomon Arase, urged the newly-promoted officers to adopt a new policing culture centered on a people-friendly approach that respects citizens’ fundamental rights. He emphasized the importance of police officers refraining from involving themselves in civil matters or fabricating false allegations against citizens, as such conduct would alienate the public and hinder the flow of credible information necessary for addressing internal security issues.
Dr. Arase also commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, for collaborating with the PSC to ensure widespread promotions across various departments of the Force, a move aimed at boosting the morale and commitment of the workforce to tackle crime effectively.