By Karen James
In a landmark decision, the Police Service Commission (PSC) concluded its plenary today, Wednesday, December 18, 2024, with the approval of promotions for 8,053 senior police officers. This followed recommendations from the Standing Committee on Police Promotions, led by retired Deputy Inspector-General Taiwo Lakanu, fdc.
The plenary, which began on Monday, involved written and oral interviews for shortlisted officers across various ranks. The first day saw Commissioners of Police (CPs) and Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) evaluated, followed by Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) and Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) on Tuesday.
In the latest round of approvals:
• 11 CPs were elevated to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs).
• 16 DCPs were promoted to substantive CPs.
• 21 ACPs advanced to DCPs.
• 57 CSPs were promoted to ACPs, including notable officers such as CSP Odum Williams of the Operations Department, Anambra State Command.
Further announcements revealed the promotion of 1,348 Superintendents of Police (SPs) to Chief Superintendents, highlighting the elevation of distinguished officers such as Anjuguri Manzah of Onne Port Division, and Matilda Umiah Ngbaronye, a former Public Information Officer with the African Union Mission in Somalia.
The PSC also confirmed the elevation of 876 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) to Superintendents. Prominent among them were Umar Faruk Yesufu, ADC to the Akwa Ibom State Governor, and Ruth Danladi, Admin Officer of the Crack Squad, FCT Command.
Additionally, 623 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) were promoted to DSPs, with officers like Mahid Mauazu Abubakar, former PPRO of Gombe State Command, and Obeji Ibeabuchi Eric standing out.
Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission’s spokesman, described the promotions as a reflection of the PSC’s commitment to rewarding excellence and dedication within the force. “This massive promotion exercise underscores the Commission’s resolve to recognize hard work and dedication while ensuring that the Nigeria Police Force remains well-equipped to maintain law and order,” Ani stated.
The promotions are seen as a morale booster for officers across ranks and a step toward strengthening the nation’s security apparatus.
