The Police Service Commission (PSC) held its first Plenary Meeting under the new Board on Friday, August 30th, 2024, during which 684 senior police officers were promoted to higher ranks. The meeting, chaired by retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Hashimu Argungu, mni, also had in attendance DIG Taiwo Lakanu, rtd, Honourable Commissioner, and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.
Among the promotions, eight Commissioners of Police were elevated to the rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police, and 15 Deputy Commissioners of Police were promoted to full Commissioners of Police. Additionally, 52 Chief Superintendents of Police were promoted to Assistant Commissioners of Police, 525 Superintendents were promoted to Chief Superintendents of Police, and 84 Deputy Superintendents advanced to the rank of Superintendent of Police. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Patrick Ebhodahe was also promoted to Deputy Superintendent of Police.
The newly promoted Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners of Police underwent assessments and examinations as part of the promotion process, which is now a mandatory requirement. This marks a significant shift in the promotion criteria for senior police officers, ensuring that promotions are merit-based and in line with the Public Service Rules applicable to all Federal civil and public servants.
DIG Argungu emphasized the need for continuous self-improvement and knowledge acquisition among police officers to prepare them for the challenges of 21st-century policing. He stressed that all officers must now pass formal examinations before being considered for promotion, underscoring the importance of a merit-based system within the force.
The PSC Chairman assured that deserving officers would not experience delays in their promotions, provided they meet the required standards. He congratulated the newly promoted officers on their achievements and urged them to demonstrate greater dedication to their duties. DIG Argungu called on the officers to focus on combating insurgency, banditry, and other forms of insecurity across the nation.
The eight Commissioners of Police promoted to Assistant Inspectors General of Police include CP Benneth Igwe, CP Suleiman Mohammed Abdul, CP Augustina Nwuka Ogbodo, CP Stephen Olanrewaju, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, CP Fayoade Adegoke Mustapha, CP Adegboyega Funsho Adegboye, and CP Mohammed Bala Labbo.
The 15 Deputy Commissioners of Police promoted to full Commissioners include DCP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, DCP Betty Enekpen Otimenyin, DCP James Iroegbunam Nwokolo, DCP Felix Nka Oben, DCP Olusegun Eyitayo Omosayin, DCP Ugobueze Ogbodo, DCP Ohagwu Felix Ndukwe, DCP Taylor Lennox Olarewaju, DCP Sa’adatu Ismaila, DCP Olabode Adeleye Akinbamilowo, DCP Regina Cosmas Udoette, DCP Francis Omatimeyin Gbiwen, DCP Afolabi Wilfred Olatokunbo, DCP Ohiozoba Oyakhire Ehiede, and DCP Anthonia Adaku Uche-Anya.
The Commission has communicated its approval to the Inspector General of Police for implementation and further action.