From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police(IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has charged newly promoted senior police officers to embrace innovative approaches to policing, gain public trust and strengthen collaborations with the community they serve.
The IGP, who gave the charge while decorating the officers with their new ranks equally urged them to respect the rights of citizens.
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The newly decorated officers includes 12 Commissioners of police to the rank of Assistant Inspector Generals of (AIG) and 16 Deputy Commissioners of Police(DCs), to the substantive rank of Commissioners of Police.
Egbetokun, while reaffirming the commitment of the police to the welfare and professional development of Police Personnel said, “Today is more than a ceremonial gathering. It is an affirmation of commitment, discipline, and excellence. We are here not merely to place new insignia on deserving shoulders, but to publicly acknowledge the tireless service, professional integrity, and unshaken loyalty of those who have given themselves to the service of our nation through the Nigeria Police Force.
“On behalf of the leadership of the Force, I extend my sincere congratulations to the twelve (12) officers promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police, and the sixteen (16) officers promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police
“Your promotions were not arbitrary—they are hard-won achievements, the result of consistent merit, unrelenting dedication, and a clear demonstration of leadership capacity.
“Let there be no doubt: these elevations were earned. They reflect a renewed commitment by this administration to fairness, transparency, and meritocracy in our internal processes.
“That said, promotion must not be viewed merely as recognition of past efforts. It is, more importantly, a call to greater responsibility. The higher one ascends, the weightier the expectations. With your new ranks come broader mandates, heightened scrutiny, and deeper demands on your leadership.
“You are now positioned to influence the tone and direction of policing across the country—and this requires not just administrative competence, but moral authority and vision.
“I urge each of you to embody the highest ideals of our profession. Let your leadership reflect courage, discipline, empathy, and above all, integrity. At a time when our society calls ever louder for justice and accountability, we must be seen to uphold these values with unwavering resolve.
” It falls to you, as senior officers, to set the tone—by your conduct, your decisions, and the standards you demand of those under your command.
He said “We recognise that timely and merit-based promotion is not only a morale booster but a crucial tool for institutional growth. Our promotion system today is firmly anchored on fairness and performance.
” I enjoin every officer here to remain motivated, to aspire, and to serve with distinction, knowing that diligence and integrity will be rewarded
” To those of you being decorated today, let me be frank: with elevation comes exposure. You will be watched more closely than ever before. Your decisions, your conduct—both in and out of uniform—will be weighed and measured not just within the Force but by the public at large.
” You must therefore lead with transparency, respect for the rule of law, and a deep sense of ethical responsibility. Your actions will shape perceptions of the Force and influence the course of policing in Nigeria.
” I charge you also to embrace innovation, to deepen collaboration with our sister agencies, and to actively engage with the communities you serve. The success of modern policing rests not only on operational effectiveness but on public trust. That trust is earned when the police are seen as approachable, responsive, and respectful.
” Let your presence inspire confidence. Let your commands be havens of security. Let your leadership be felt not in fear, but in reassurance.
The IGP expressed my deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support to the Nigeria Police Force saying that his administration’s strategic investments and reform initiatives for the Force were already yielding visible improvements.
He equally extended appreciation to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd.), and members of the Commission saying that their principled stance, and transparent handling of the recent promotion exercise have contributed immensely to strengthening public confidence in the Force’s promotion processes.
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