IGP Egbetokun defends special promotion of 38 officers

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday defended the special promotion of 38 officers approved by the Police Service Commission (PSC) in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

IGP Egbetokun said that the affected officers were promoted in line with a recently introduced policy that guarantees accelerated promotion for recipients of the Police Officer of the Year award or those who earn consecutive commendations from the Inspector-General of Police

Speaking during the decoration ceremony held in Abuja, Egbetokun declared that the promotions were not routine but transformational in the history of the Nigeria Police Force

The decorated officers by the IGP are CSP Shaba Aliyu, the Police Officer of the Year 2023, who was decorated as Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), and SP Sentome Obi, the Police Officer of the Year 2024, who was decorated as Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).

He pointed out that the affected officers were selected from a pool of over 300,000 personnel across the country, having distinguished themselves in courage, integrity, and professionalism.

The IGP explained that the new policy complemented the existing promotion structure of the force. stated that between 2023 and 2024, over 10,000 officers have reportedly been promoted through regular channels.

He said, “Promotion is no longer about who you know; it’s about what you contribute. There is no gender advantage, no ethnic preference, no religious pathway, only merit.

“These officers did not lobby for favour. They let their work speak, and the institution has responded publicly, proudly, and with full institutional endorsement.”

The IGP, who further explained that the processes leading to their promotions were rigorous, objective, and free from external influence, disclosed that the portraits of the honourees would be displayed at the Force Headquarters and state command entrances as a symbol of institutional pride and encouragement for others.

He also revealed that between 2023 and today, August 5, 2025, over 10,000 officers have been promoted through our regular and transparent promotion processes.

IGP Egbetokun added that in the Force, promotion was no longer about who you know, it is about what officers contribute.

He also stated unequivocally that there was no gender advantage, no ethnic preference, and no religious pathway, saying that it was only by merit.

The Police boss, while reminding the honourees that their new ranks carry a heavier burden and not just a higher badge, stated that the Force was evolving and the management would not stop until service becomes synonymous with pride, promotion becomes the outcome of performance, and every officer becomes a beacon of national confidence.

The IGP had earlier decorated the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, as a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).

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