In a strong show of institutional pride and a bold step toward entrenching meritocracy in the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, will on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, decorate two outstanding officers recently approved for accelerated promotion by the Police Service Commission (PSC).
This landmark event, scheduled for 12 noon at the IGP Smart Conference Room, Force Headquarters, Abuja, will see CSP Shaba Aliyu, the 2023 Police Officer of the Year, decorated as Assistant Commissioner of Police, and SP Sentome Obi, Police Officer of the Year 2024, decorated as Chief Superintendent of Police. Their promotions are effective from December 31, 2023, and December 31, 2024, respectively.
The promotions are part of the Force’s unwavering commitment to reward excellence and motivate officers who exhibit exceptional courage, integrity, and dedication to duty. According to an earlier press release (No. CZ:5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/472 dated July 25, 2025), the Nigeria Police had pledged to recommend for accelerated promotion any officer who received national recognition or the IGP’s award in two consecutive years.
“This is not just about moving up the ranks,” the IGP emphasized. “It is about celebrating what true service looks like. When you uphold the values of the Force against all odds, you deserve to be publicly honored.”
The names of the qualifying officers were submitted to the Police Service Commission following a resolution at the Force Management Team meeting on June 23, 2025. The PSC has since conveyed its approval, clearing the path for these remarkable officers to be elevated.
To underscore the importance of the occasion, the IGP has ordered the deployment of a police jet to convey ACP-designate Shaba Aliyu and CSP-designate Sentome Obi to Abuja. Their photographs have also been prominently displayed at the main entrance of Force Headquarters and will be showcased at all Zonal and State Command Headquarters in a move described as symbolic of institutional respect and internal accountability.
Other officers who have won police awards twice in the last two cycles, as well as select staff from the IGP Secretariat with multiple commendations over the past two years, are also expected to benefit from the ongoing round of accelerated promotions.
“This is how trust is built—from within,” the Force statement read. “The Nigeria Police under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun is committed to ensuring that professionalism is not only praised but promoted.”
The IGP reaffirmed that the era where the sacrifices of diligent officers go unrecognized is over. “To all our officers across the country: Your integrity will not go unnoticed. Your service matters. And this administration will continue to stand by those who stand for what is right.”
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