LAGOS/Nigeria: The Nigeria Police Force has challenged newly promoted senior officers to make integrity, accountability and professionalism the defining principles of their leadership as public expectations for improved policing continue to grow.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Olohundare Jimoh, gave the charge on Thursday while decorating 10 newly promoted officers at the Command Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos, urging them to regard their elevation as a greater responsibility rather than a personal achievement.
The call comes at a time when the Police Force is under increasing pressure to strengthen public confidence through improved service delivery, respect for citizens’ rights and decisive action against corruption and professional misconduct.
Jimoh said promotion within the Force should be measured not only by rank but also by the ability of officers to provide transparent leadership, maintain discipline and uphold the core values of policing.
He warned the officers against corruption, abuse of office and unethical conduct, stressing that leadership positions demand fairness, courage and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities.
“We must continue to build a modern, intelligent and technology-driven police force, but we must never lose sight of why we exist — to serve and protect the people,” the AIG said.
He also urged the officers to embrace intelligence-led policing, continuous professional development and the use of technology to tackle emerging security threats more effectively.
Ten officers benefited from the latest promotion exercise, comprising four Deputy Commissioners of Police, five Assistant Commissioners of Police and one Superintendent of Police.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Deputy Commissioner of Police Deborah Omoruan described the promotion as both an honour and a greater call to service.
She assured the Police leadership that the officers would justify the confidence reposed in them through dedication, professionalism and responsible leadership.
The newly promoted officers are Deborah Omoruan, Mary Ayim, Jaiyeoba Idowu Joseph and Lot Garba Lantoh, promoted to Deputy Commissioners of Police; Gafar Ajayi Adeyanju, Ajoke Akande, Olanrewaju Victor Kalejaiye, Ellah Jeffrey and Chukwu Thomas, promoted to Assistant Commissioners of Police; while medical practitioner Okusi Abimbola was elevated to the rank of Superintendent of Police.
The promotion exercise forms part of the Police Force’s career progression system aimed at preparing experienced officers for higher operational and administrative responsibilities, with expectations that they will strengthen leadership, discipline and public confidence in policing.
