…PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU DECLARES APRIL 7 NIGERIA POLICE DAY
The maiden Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations held on 15th April 2024 has all the trappings of an epochal event. Notwithstanding the provisions of Order 68 and other statutory provisions in the Police Acts 2020 (as amended) and the occasional presentation of Commendation Letters to deserving officers, it is the first time ever that the hierarchy of the Force was organizing an astounding ceremony with a national flair to collectively recognize and honour deserving individual officers and units for their outstanding contributions, sacrifices, acts of gallantry, honesty and patriotism.
The Award Dinner which hosted well over 350 special guests, senior officers and dignitaries was held on a Monday, the first day of the week in one of Abuja’s choice event centres, Transcorp Hilton and broadcast live during primetime on three national network television stations – Channels TV, NTA and TVC. The colourful and utterly delectable ceremony was a well-balanced blend of a formal, official ceremony and a Nollywood-styled award ceremony with associated razzmatazz including a enchanting red-carpet corner and interviews.
The city of Abuja, in spite of itself, was pleasantly alarmed at the intermittent blare of siren and arrival of special guests in the government’s popular official shinning black SUVs which lined the entrance of the Transcorp Hilton Abuja. The long and impressive list of guests at the ceremony was a pointer to the fact that the Inspector-General of Police, the top echelon of the Force and Lenders Consult International, an important stakeholder in the award ceremony, were determined to leave a decade-long impression. More importantly, though this may have escaped people’s thoughts, the society has come together to appreciate and honour the Force. The Nigeria Police were the deserving awardees!
Leading dignitaries at the event are: His Excellency, Kashim Shettima GCON, the Vice-President representing President Bola Tinubu, the Special Guest of Honour; Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate, His Excellency, Abba Kabir Yusuf, Governor of Kano State; Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, Honourable Minister of Police Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Honourable Minister of State for Police Affairs; Senator Abdulhamid Madori, Chairman Senate Committee on Police Affairs; Honourable Makki Yalleman, Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, General Chris Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, His Eminence, Aminu Ado Bayero, the Emir of Kano, representatives from embassies and other security agencies and an array of former Inspectors-General of Police.
In his welcome remark, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun stated that ‘this ceremony serves as a poignant reminder that the efforts of our officers are both seen and valued.’ Speaking further, he said ‘this also serves as reassurance that the leadership of the Force is deeply committed to the wellbeing of all members of the Force as well as improved service delivery.’
Earlier, the Chairman of the Award Committee, DIG Bala Ciroma had stated the objective of staging the award ceremony: ‘The major objective of organizing the awards’, he said ‘remains to inspire and motivate all police officers to higher levels of commitment in the discharge of their responsibilities.’ He explained further that nominations were invited and received from all police formations including Zonal Headquarters, State Commands, Area Commands and Divisional Headquarters. The nominations were screened by an award committee comprising police officers and a representative of a stakeholder and partner, Lenders Consult International.
Another major highlight was the seven-minute re-enactment/movie which captured the challenges and dangers officers face daily as they step out of the warm embrace of their families to maintain law and order and secure the internal security space. Drawing from comments from the Senate President and the Chief of Defence Staff, it was obvious that the movie had quite some impression on the guests.
National Police Day
In his speech, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, ably represented by Senator Kashim Shettima GCON said the Nigeria Police would be transformed into a modern, professional, and accountable institution that mirrors the aspirations and values of Nigeria. He said the president had approved the first week of April as Police Week and the last day of the week as National Police Day, making the 7th of April National Police Day.
THE WINNERS
A scrutiny of the winners and their accomplishments clearly shows why the decisions of the Nigeria Police to honour them were spot-on.
POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR AND DIVISIONAL POLICE OFFICER OF THE YEAR
CSP Aliyu Shaba
DPO, Ekpan Division, Delta State Command
CSP Shaba Aliyu emerged the Police officer of the Year and the DPO of the Year. In September 2023, he led a team of police operatives to dislodge a gang of dangerous armed robbers led by Momotimi, who had earlier been declared wanted in Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers Commands. Momotimi and his gang members had robbed, kidnapped, maimed, and cut short many promising lives including those of Police Officers across the three states. During an exchange of gunfire, Momotimi was gunned down thus bringing succour to his victims and other citizens. In August 2022, he trailed four suspected kidnappers to Ajegunle where they were arrested. He is largely credited with the sharp reduction in the rate of criminal activities especially armed robberies and kidnapping in the Warri area.
COMMAND COMMISSIONER OF THE YEAR
CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu
Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command
CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu emerged the Command Commissioner of Police of the Year. Upon his resumption in office as the Commissioner of Police, he successfully confronted a notorious criminal in the State, Gift Okpara (aka 2Baba) and his gang. 2Baba was top on the list of wanted criminals in Rivers State and was also responsible for the heinous murder of SP Bako Angbashim.
During another gun battle with an armed robbery gang led by one John Togo, a notorious Sea Pirate in Rivers State, members of the gang were neutralized while others were apprehended. This development restored normalcy in Khana Local Government and facilitated the reinstatement of the Traditional Chieftaincy Institution that had collapsed because of the activities of cult gangs and kidnappers. The Police also arrested a wide networked syndicate responsible for the incidence of car snatching within the capital city of Port Harcourt. As CP, he has sanctioned an improvement in Police Patrols in the major cities of Rivers State which led to a recovery of arms and ammunition from multiple gangs. He restored discipline among officers and cut short the reign of terror by criminals operating within the state. He has recovered several weapons including 17 AK-47 rifles.
COMMUNITY POLICING ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR
CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel
Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command
CP Gumel understandably and deservedly won the Community Policing Advocate of the Year. Within one month of his assumption of office as CP Kano, through inter-agency collaboration, intelligence gathering, stakeholders’ engagements and other community policing strategies, he drastically reduced the incidences of mobile phone robbery in the Kano Metropolis. Realising that theft of mobile phones was rampant because of the large number of thugs, he embarked on a series of engagements with stakeholders which worked effectively, leading to a reduction in the number of thugs in the city.
CRIME BUSTER OF THE YEAR
CSP Odeyeyiwa Oladimeji
O/C, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Imo Command
CSP Odeyeyiwa Oladimeji, the O/C, Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Imo Command won the highly coveted Crime Buster of the Year. He led the operations that arrested the IPOB/ESN Imo State Commander, Nwagwu Chinwendu a.k.a Onyearmy; IPOB/ESN Operational Commander, Uchechi Eze a.k.a Lionheart, Emeagwa Emeka and other key members of the terrorist group. On 4th December 2023, his team stormed the criminal hideout of a deadly IPOB/ESN terrorist syndicate led by Ebube Virus and Ishaka at Umuogu Amuzu in Aboh-Mbaise LGA of Imo State and dislodged the terrorists. He has conducted several similar operations which have destroyed the camps of the terrorists in Mgbidi, Mbaise Ngor Okpala and other locations where the criminals herniate. During these operations, many suspects were arrested and arms and ammunition including AK 47 rifles, live ammunition, Pump Action Guns, live cartridges, revolver pistol, biker pistol and Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) have been recovered.
AREA COMMANDER OF THE YEAR
ACP Muhammad Z. Musa
Area Commander, Potiskum, Yobe State Command
The Area Commander of the Year Award went to ACP Muhammad Z. Musa the Area Commander, Potiskum in Yobe State. Since his assumption in office as the Area Commander he has continually employed the use of Community Policing strategies to resolve issues and maintain peace and security in his AOR. In one such instance, he was able to resolve an age-old existing skirmish which had led to countless communal clashes between Fulani settlers and Kare-Kare tribal indigenes of Daye, Guraje and its environs. This tension had hitherto defied Government, security agencies and traditional rulers’ intervention.
PATROL TEAM OF THE YEAR
Patrol Team From 40 PMF
Taraba State Command
Four officers who formed the Patrol Team from 40 PMF, Taraba State Command were voted the Patrol Team of the Year. On Monday 29th January 2024 the officers – Inspector Usman Haruna, Inspector Gambo Mgarmaju, Inspector Difference Tih and Corporal Zaharadeem Mamuda intercepted a vehicle and recovered a cash sum of eight million, five hundred and fifty-five thousand Naira (N8,555,000); seven phones; three thousand unused recharge cards; and four amulets. The suspect attempted to bribe the PMF personnel, requesting them to take the total money and allow him to go, but the PMF personnel refused and arrested him accordingly. The Patrol Team have also been responsible for the arrest of other criminals and recovery of arms and ammunition.
INVESTIGATOR OF THE YEAR
SP Kasumu Rilwan Oluropo
O/C CP Tactical Team Ijanikin, Area K Command
Lagos State Command
SP Kasumu Rilwan Oluropo the O/C CP Tactical Team Ijanikin, Area K Command, Lagos State Police Command was named the Investigator of the Year. He has led several investigations into some of Nigeria’s most celebrated murder and drug cases. He investigated the gruesome murder of a popular CEO of Super TV in the Lekki area of Lagos. Relying on digital intelligence, he successfully arrested the culprits. The case is currently in court. In February 2024, he arrested a drug baron and subsequently rejected a bribe of four million naira (N4, 000, 000.00) from her to compromise the investigation. The drug baron had been in the drug trade for over 11 years and was responsible for the distribution of illicit drugs in the Mojirade Community in Ilogbo Elegba area of Lagos. He was also involved in the investigation and arrest of a suspect in the armed robbery, kidnap, and murder of the P.A to Senator Solomon Adeola.
DETECTIVE OF THE YEAR
Inspector Onyia Everistus
SCID, Enugu Command
Inspector Onyia Everistus SCID, Enugu Command was voted the Detective of the Year for his professional skills in the Management of crime scene, utilization of forensic and technological tools in his investigations. While investigating a murder case which was initially reported as a case of sudden and unnatural death/food poisoning, he recovered DNA exhibits which assisted homicide detectives in resolving the mystery behind the death of the victim. In another case, he processed a scene of office breaking and stealing at GEEK Thrills Company at 9th Miles Corner, Ngwo, Enugu State and recovered fingerprints exhibits, which when analyzed led to the arrest of a suspect which was a breakthrough in the case. Additionally, the Officer is an NPF forensic trainer.
AWARD FOR GALLANTRY
SP Elaigwu Augustine
Commander, Counter Insurgency/Joint Operation FOB, Aguata Anambra State Command
SP Elaigwu Augustine the Commander, Counter Insurgency/Joint Operation FOB, Aguata, Anambra State won the Award for Gallantry. The Officer has displayed various stints of gallantry and in one such instance his exploits led to the destruction and dislodgement of IPOB/ESN terrorists from their camp at Ogbunka in Orumba South LGA of Anambra State. During the operation three kidnapped victims, including a Reverend Father were rescued while various firearms and live ammunition were recovered from the scene. Similarly, on 11th July 2023 in Ezinifite, Aguata he led his men to an IPOB/ESN camp. On arrival at the scene, the team were ambushed by the insurgents and in the ensuing gun battle two (2) members of the proscribed group were neutralized while various firearms and ammunition were recovered.
AWARD FOR INTEGRITY
The award for integrity as always, was an interesting category. As a display of its commitment to encourage honesty among officers, the Police hierarchy named all three nominees in the category as winners.
SP Idris Ibrahim
DPO, Tafa Division, Kaduna State Command
SP Idris Ibrahim, the DPO of Tafa Division in the Kaduna State Command who raided a hotel in Tafa Area of Kaduna State where he arrested one Bello with the sum of N2.25 million Naira. The money was suspected to be proceeds of ransom collected from kidnapped victims within the area. The suspected attempted to bribe the DPO with the sum of N1 million which he vehemently rejected. The officer’s rejection of the bribe and subsequent arrest of the suspect led to a breakthrough in the kidnapped case of the family members of one Barrister Ariyo (Bwari 6) in Bwari, FCT on 2nd January 2024.
SP Okoi Emmanuel Iferi
Commander, Tactical Response, Zone 16, Yenagoa
SP Okoi Emmanuel Iferi Commander, Tactical Response, Zone 16, Yenagoa was honoured with the award for integrity for rejecting a fifteen-million-naira (N15 million) bribe from a kidnapper.
Counter-Intelligence Unit
Force Intelligence Department
The third awardee in this category was a team of officers from the Counter-Intelligence Unit in the Force Intelligence Department. The team rejected a N150 million Naira bribe which was offered to them while investigating a petition. The suspect offered the bribe to the team to facilitate his release from Police custody.
CYBERCRIME BUSTER OF THE YEAR
ASP Nnamdi Egbunike
Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC)
He was part of the Operation Falcon II which was one of INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate’s most successful endeavours. Over a period of ten days, the team conducted inter-state operation in Lagos, Delta and Abuja which resulted in the arrest of eleven threat actors. Through meticulous intelligence gathering and strategic deployment, the team disrupted the activities of cybercriminal syndicates including “SilverTerrier,” known for diverting funds from unsuspecting companies and clients. He has also been involved in other cybercrime operations including ‘Operation Haechi 3’ where $1.5 million dollars was recovered, and ten suspects arrested; and ‘Operation Waterfall’ which was a joint operation with INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate and the Gambian Police.
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER OF THE YEAR
SP Haruna Abdullahi
Police Public Relations Officer, Kano State Command
He has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to duty, engaging in public enlightenment programmes, community policing approach and a unique style of media engagement with the public. He engages many citizens on his social media platforms which include over two hundred and eighteen thousand (218,000+) on his verified Facebook page and over fifty thousand (50,000+) followers on Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram accounts. He participates in about five weekly programmes on Radio, Television and other fora. Between 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023, he has prepared and circulated ninety (90) Press Releases, one hundred and fifty (150) photo news, one hundred and sixty-five (165) Engagement Videos and twenty (20) Press Conferences on both conventional and social media.
TRAFFIC WARDEN OF THE YEAR
GD III Alabi Kayode
Kwara State Command
GD III Alabi Kayode is a Traffic Warden in the Kwara State Command. He joined the Force on 1st June 2007. For his approach to duty, he has received several commendations including Certificate of Excellence Award from the Royal Shepherds and Christ Apostolic Church (Worldwide) on 17th April 2019, Outstanding Performance of the Year Award from Kwara Achievers Awards, Commendation Certificate from The Royal Shepherds 2022, Recognition Award from Rotary Club, Ilorin District and Traffic Warden of the Year in December 2022.
POLICE SPORTS PERSON OF THE YEAR
Corporal Abbey Yetunde
Lion Boxing Organisation (LBO) International Super Flyweight Female Champion
She became the Lion Boxing Organisation (LBO) International Super Flyweight Female Champion after defeating Lulu Kayange of Tanzania by unanimous decision in December 2023. She officiated in the Zone 3 African Amateur Female International Boxing Bouts in Congo – Kinshasa where she also received a Commendation of Excellence. She has a current professional boxing record of 11 fights, 11 wins, 9 knock-outs and no losses.
POLICE MEDICAL PERSONNEL OF THE YEAR
ACP Dere Yusuf Olalekan
Medical Officer, Nigeria Police Medical Services, Akure
He installed complete automation and use of Electronic Medical Record System (EMR) and Telemedicine for effective service delivery and installation of 10KVA Solar System to provide uninterrupted power supply. His medical facility was voted Best Performing Secondary Health Facility on Health Management Information System in Ondo State for two consecutive years. He also completed the automation of Xray radiology services via use of Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS). He remodelled and equipped a building in 17 PMF Base to a ten-bedded clinic and carried out a facelift and reinvigoration of other clinics. He also secured full accreditation and access as a treatment site for People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWA), accreditation by the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria and for other secondary services like OBS & GYN, Internal Medicine, Paediatrics, Surgery, Physiotherapy, Radiology, Dental, Optometry services, Pharmacy and Laboratory.
POLICE LEGAL OFFICER OF THE YEAR
ASP Madaki Wisdom Emmanuel
Legal/Prosecution Section, Force Criminal Investigation Department
He served in the Buachi State Command and the 37 PMF, Lokoja. He has secured 55 judgments in favour of the Nigeria Police/convictions and has successfully vacated 88.7 billion Garnishee Order. He has 12 matters pending before Court of Appeal; 178 civil suits pending for hearing; 82 criminal cases and 10 cases adjourned for judgment. In 2023 and 2024, he got 14 judgments/convictions and 7 judgments/convictions respectively.
IGP SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS
This set of awards are at the discretion of the Inspector General of Police.
CP Benneth Igweh
Commissioner of Police, FCT Command
The CP FCT Command has been leading his team to raid and comb hide-outs of armed bandits, kidnappers and other miscreants in the forests and bushes in Bwari Area Council and its environs. As an experienced Operations Officer, he has marshalled and executed plans which have seen criminals and terrorists being smoked out of their hideouts in the city thereby making the FCT safer. His men have made several arrests and recoveries of weapons and ammunition from criminals. He is usually at the forefront of operations and raids around the city.
CP Abaniwonda Surajudeen Olufemi
Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command
As a trained officer of international standard, he was deployed for Peace Keeping Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2000 and was also in 2008 seconded as the Training Adviser at the United Nations’ Integrated Office in Sierra Leone (UNIOSIL). He was the immediate past Force Secretary before his deployment to Delta State as the Commissioner of Police. CP Abaniwonda is a highly disciplined, detribalized officer who continues to dedicate himself to the service of his fatherland. Under his leadership and direction, the Delta Command has embarked on more raids of hideouts of criminal elements in the state. Several kidnapped victims have been rescued and weapons and ammunition recovered.
Lagos Squad I
Lagos State Command
CSP Kehinde Johnson, ASP Akinubuwa Bola, ASP Nosiru Isiaka, ASP Oyedele Kazeem, ASP Adekunle Olusina, Inspr. Tawose Sunday, Inspr. Agban Philip, Inspr. Tijjani Abayomi, Inspr. Adetola, Cpl. Mohammed. The officers investigated the case of armed robbery by a 4-man robbery gang which led to the death of Sanni Adeniyi, a Personal Assistant to Senator Solomon Adeola (Yayi) and the snatching of the victim’s Toyota Camry car on 5th August 2023. The Squad apprehended three key members of the cross-border criminal syndicate that carried out the robbery/murder and recovered two (2) brand new English Browning pistol, one (1) locally fabricated Browning pistol, three (3) live 7.64mm calibre ammunition rounds, six (6) live cartridges, six (6) empty 7.65mm ammunition shells, military uniforms hats and boots which they wore during the operation as well as a car key belonging to the deceased.
DSP Isaac Solomon Iko-Ojo
ICT Department, FCT Command.
He was the Officer-in-Charge of the Internet and Network in FHQ (2015 – 2017) after which he was moved to the IGP National Security Office in the IGP Secretariat. Between 2020 and 2021, he won the award for the Most Outstanding Police Student in the Jiangsu Police Institute and and the award for the Most Outstanding Police Officer in Pistol Handling in 2023 He also went on to get the Most Outstanding Graduating Police Officer in the year 2023.
ASP Iro Shuaibu
Unit Commander, No. 27 Squadron PMF, Katsina State Command
He led his team to rescue two abducted prospective NYSC members on 3rd November 2023; foiled kidnapping attempt, rescued an abductee at Ruwan Lafiya Village, Kankara LGA and raided the residence of suspected bandits at Yargoje Gidan Gamji Village where he recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-49 rifle, one locally made rifle, two fully loaded magazines, three empty magazines, two motorcycles and two handsets on 21st December 2023.
Men Of 14 PMF Yola,
Adamawa State Command
These Inspectors were responsible for the protection of the Adamawa State Command Headquarters when it came under sudden attack 21st November 2023.
ASP Godwin Hosea
Department of Research and Planning, FHQ
He has successfully conducted research and produced the following equipment: Level 3 Ballistic Body Armor, Level 3+ Ballistic Body Armor, Level 3A Helmet, Riot Shield and Fiber Glass Baton. The level 3 and level 3+ body Armor has been subjected to rigorous test using 7.62×39 mm, 5.56×45mm and 9×19mm calibre ammunition at 7, 10, 15 and 20 meters without fail. All using locally sourced raw material available within the country. This reduces cost of production of the equipment.
Inspector Atagbede Eneojo
Special Forces, FHQ
On Monday 7th March 2022, in Imo State, during the Show-of- Force Patrol during sit-at-home at the dreaded Orsu in Orlu LGA. The Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) carrying Special Forces personnel ran into an ambush of the ESN/IPOB. An IED exploded, having impact at the bottom mechanism of the APC and throwing the Gunner out. While the driver, Inspector Atagbede Eneojo, positioned the APC in order for others to engage the insurgents and while making attempt to rescue the gunner back to the vehicle, he stepped on an IED which sadly resulted in him sustaining serious injuries on his right leg which later led to the amputation of his lower limb. The officer is living with artificial right lower limb courtesy of Imo State Government.
POSTHUMOUS AWARDS
(From top Left: Late SP Bako Angbashim, Late Inspector Iroere Friday, Late Inspector Abe Olubunmi, Late Sergeant Akpan Aniette, Late Sergeant Ayere Paul, Late Sergeant Friday Ejemito and Late Sergeant Kuden Elisha)
The Police hierarchy honoured seven slain officers with the Posthumous Service Awards. Late SP Bako Angbashim was the Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Division in Rivers State Command when he was gruesomely murdered by a criminal gang in Ahoada-East Local Government Area of Rivers State on Friday, 8th September 2023. His killers have since been incapacitated during a gun battle with the Police. The other six officers were ambushed and murdered by armed assailants while undertaking a mission to investigate the disappearance and rescue of three of their colleagues in Ohoro Forest (Evil Forest) in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State on the 26th February 2024. The officers are Inspector Abe Olubunmi (IRT), Inspector Iroere Friday (51 PMF), Sergeant Kuden Elisha (51 PMF), Sergeant Akpan Aniette (51 PMF), Sergeant Friday Ejemito (51 PMF) and Sergeant Ayere Paul (IRT).
In the Special Achievement Awards category, DCP Mohammed Sanusi, Commander, IGP’s Intelligence Response Unit (IRT), DSP Ntul Sylvanus, Commander, EOD/CBRN, Base 13, Borno State Command and the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) were specially honoured for various acts of gallantry and accomplishments. Also commended were SP Moruf Akanbi Salami (Commander, Special Weapons and Tactics -SWAT), CSP Ameh Lydia (Force Insurance Officer) and all 17 Police Medalists at the 13th African Games- 2023. For its contributions and support in the Force’ capacity building efforts, the Niger Delta Development Commission was honoured with the Police Support Recognition Award.
In recognition of their meritorious service to the Nigeria Police, four recently retired Deputy Inspectors-General of Police were honoured with the Distinguished Service Awards: DIG Danmallam Mohammed (rtd), DIG Adeleke Bode Adeyinka (rtd), DIG Moses Jitoboh (rtd) and DIG Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa (rtd).
