Deborah Makoji
Abuja
The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has assured that every promotion exercise conducted under his administration, including the recent accelerated promotion exercise, has followed due process.
The IGP's assurance followed the decoration of the newly promoted senior officers, including Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Mohammed Dan-Kwara and Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Nkechi Eze, in Abuja.
The IGP emphasized that the promotions were transparent, merit-based, and in strict conformity with established standards.
Egbetokun debunked reports of irregularities in the promotion process, describing such claims as baseless and aimed at discrediting the institution. He reaffirmed the police force's commitment to fairness, transparency, and meritocracy in its promotion processes [2].
The IGP's assurance comes amid concerns raised by some officers about the transparency of the promotion process. However, Egbetokun's stance underscores the administration's dedication to upholding the principles of fairness and meritocracy in the police force.
"Every promotion exercise conducted under this administration - including the accelerated promotion exercise-has followed due process: transparent, merit-based, and in strict conformity with established standards."
Egbetokun debunked reports of a promotion scandal within the NPF, describing such claims as baseless and aimed at discrediting the institution.
"Recent months have witnessed attempts by certain mischief makers to cast shadows on the credibility of our promotion process, particularly the accelerated promotion exercise conducted a few months ago. But truth stands taller than rumours. The Nigeria Police Force has nothing to hide and nothing to defend. There is no promotion scandal in the Nigeria Police Force. What we have is a system that rewards diligence, professionalism, and proven capacity."
During the ceremony, Egbetokun emphasized the importance of merit-based promotions, stating that the process is transparent and guided solely by competence, performance, and discipline.
He urged the newly promoted officers to maintain professionalism, integrity, and fairness in their service, emphasizing that leadership demands equity, justice, and accountability.
"Today, we celebrate not just advancement in rank, but the affirmation of excellence, character and distinguished service within the Nigeria Police Force. We mark not just promotion but the reaffirmation of trust, competence, and integrity. This ceremony embodies the strength of our institution, the fairness of our processes, and the courage of those who have served faithfully through the years."
The IGP also highlighted the need for innovative policing strategies to tackle emerging security challenges, leveraging technology, and community engagement. He encouraged the officers to adapt to modern policing realities and prioritize public trust and confidence.
"Advancement in rank brings with it a new horizon of duty. The higher we rise, the deeper our responsibility to serve with wisdom, restraint, and courage. Every insignia worn at this level must represent not privilege, but purpose-a reminder that authority is meaningful only when it uplifts the institution and strengthens public trust.
"As senior officers, you must uphold the highest ethical standards and redefine policing for our time. The landscape of crime is evolving- driven by technology, complexity, and global trends. The Nigerian people expect a Force that is smarter, more responsive, and deeply connected to the communities it serves. I therefore, charge you to fully embrace the philosophy of Community Policing and the practise of Intelligence-Led Policing as you take on your new Command. Harness technology, empower your personnel and drive innovations that keep our operations one step ahead of criminal enterprise. Let your commands become models of discipline collaboration and public trust."
He reaffirmed the police force's commitment to fairness, transparency, and meritocracy in its promotion processes.
"Our commitment to fairness and merit remains unwavering."
Among those decorated were DIG Mohammed Dankwara, AlGs Denimen Abibo, Umar Madaki, Nkechi Eze, and Garba Nzukwen. Others include CPs Naziru Kankarofi, Nendel Gomwalk, Tijani Fatai, Aniefok Akpan, Moorkwap Dongshal, among others.
The officers are part of 923 officers who passed the rigorous and transparent promotion exercise organised by the Police Service Commission, which comprised written exams and interviews, following their recommendation by the Inspector-General of Police.
In attendance were distinguished dignitaries, including the former Governor of Plateau State and current Senator representing Plateau South, Senator Simon Lalong; the Governor of Adamawa State, Ahmadu Fintiri; the former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Abdul-Aziz Yari; Senator (Dr.) Tony Nwoye (Anambra North); Senator Iya Abbas (Adamawa Central); and Senator Ede Dafinone (Delta Central).
Also, in attendance were the Minister of State for Regional Development, FCT, Hon. Alhaji Ahmadu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda; Chairman, Board of Trustees and Founder of Al-Hikmah University, Alhaji (Chief) Dr. Abdul-Raheem Oladimeji, OFR; members of the Force Management Team, serving and retired senior police officers, as well as families and friends of the newly promoted officers.
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