The Nigeria Police Force Headquarters Badminton Club etched its name into history after emerging champions of the maiden Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC) Inter-Institutional Badminton Tournament, organised in honour of the Academy’s retiring 24th Commandant, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Patrick A. Atayero.
The landmark tournament, held on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the POLAC Badminton Hall in Wudil, Kano State, brought together top badminton teams from the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH), and the Nigeria Police Academy in a thrilling display of athleticism, teamwork and sportsmanship.
Led by AIG Akoh Benedict Gabriel, a course mate of the retiring Commandant, the Force Headquarters team produced a commanding performance throughout the competition to claim the coveted gold medal and the tournament’s top cash prize.
ADUSTECH delivered an impressive challenge but settled for the silver medal and cash prize, while the host, Nigeria Police Academy Badminton Club, secured the bronze medal after a spirited outing.
One of the most memorable moments of the tournament came when the celebrant himself, AIG Patrick Atayero, stepped onto the court for a veterans’ exhibition match. His impressive display of agility and competitive spirit drew loud cheers from spectators, adding a fitting personal touch to the historic event.
The atmosphere was further enlivened by the presence of the Commandant’s wife, Mrs Sarah Atayero, Chairperson of the POLAC Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), alongside members of their family, senior police officers, friends, well-wishers and distinguished guests, including the Academy Registrar, Barrister Fidelis Ekpere Ezeugwu.
Speaking after the tournament, AIG Atayero expressed profound appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for the Academy. He also thanked AIG Gabriel Akoh, the Academy’s directors, staff and the tournament organisers for staging what participants described as a groundbreaking sporting initiative.
The participating teams unanimously hailed the competition as a significant milestone, noting that the maiden championship had strengthened friendship, healthy rivalry and institutional collaboration among the participating organisations.
The historic sporting event concluded with a colourful dinner at the Academy Officers’ Mess, where participants, dignitaries and guests gathered to celebrate AIG Atayero’s distinguished service and enduring legacy at the Nigeria Police Academy.
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