Segun Atanda/
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of 78 senior police officers, including CSP Abimbola Tokunbo Abaniwonda, who recently survived a near-fatal machete attack during a sting operation against armed robbers under the Otedola Bridge, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
Abaniwonda, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Alausa Division, was promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in recognition of her bravery and dedication to duty.
The promotion exercise was part of decisions taken during the PSC’s second plenary meeting, which began on Monday, December 16, 2024. The commission elevated 21 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) to Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and 57 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) to Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs).
Earlier during the meeting, the PSC had also promoted 11 Commissioners of Police to Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) and 16 Deputy Commissioners to substantive Commissioners of Police (CPs).
The plenary session, chaired by retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Hashimu Argungu, mni, highlighted critical challenges within the police system, including manpower shortages and logistical deficiencies. These issues were underscored during the officers’ written and oral promotion assessments, with calls for urgent interventions to enhance the operational efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force.
Prominent among the newly promoted Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) are Christopher Bassey Uweh, Area Commander Ihiala, Anambra State; Baba Mallam Alhaji, Area Commander Agbara, Ogun State; and Aminu Ado Aliyu, Commander 59 PMF, Bajoga. Others include Abdulrahaman Usman, AC Operations Zone 2, Lagos; Mohammed Lariski Musa of Kwara State Command; and Ado Ibrahim of the Delta State Command.
The 57 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) elevated to Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) include Marcus Michael Tarfa of Interpol FCIID, Abuja; Tamarauebi Timpa; Oluseyi Olabisi Cletus-Ilobanafor; Suraju Kehinde Oyewole; and Glory Gabriel Otonko of the Force Intelligence Bureau, Enugu State.
The Police Service Commission emphasized that these promotions aim to strengthen leadership across critical formations within the Nigeria Police Force, particularly as the country grapples with complex security challenges. The commission reiterated its resolve to reposition the force for enhanced service delivery through capacity building and improved welfare for its personnel.
In his remarks, PSC Chairman Hashimu Argungu, mni, congratulated the newly promoted officers and charged them to justify their elevation through dedication, professionalism, and integrity in their various postings. He urged the officers to remain steadfast in upholding the core values of the police force while addressing the nation’s security needs.
The plenary session also witnessed contributions from PSC members, including Justice Paul Galumje (rtd) and retired DIG Taiwo Lakanu, fdc, who expressed confidence that the promotions would serve as a morale booster for the officers. They underscored the importance of addressing operational gaps and encouraging officers to rise to the task of combating crime in all its forms.
The PSC’s second plenary meeting will continue on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, with further deliberations to conclude the commission’s activities for the year.
The recent promotions are seen as a strategic move to inject fresh energy into the force’s leadership structure while inspiring officers to demonstrate renewed commitment to their duties. As the country navigates evolving security challenges, the PSC remains committed to equipping the Nigeria Police Force with the leadership and resources necessary for optimal performance.
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