The Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has declared a decisive end to favouritism in police promotions, affirming that merit, professionalism, and integrity will now be the sole benchmarks for career advancement within the Nigeria Police Force.
Speaking during the official decoration of the 2023 and 2024 Police Officers of the Year at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the IGP announced reforms aimed at institutionalising a culture of excellence and rewarding officers based on performance, not connections.
The IGP described the ceremony as a “transformational moment” that defines a legacy, as Shaba Aliyu, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) was honoured as the 2023 Police Officer of the Year, and Sentome Obi, Superintendent of Police (SP), is the 2024 recipient.
According to the IGP, both officers emerged through a rigorous and transparent selection process insulated from any form of bias or external influence.
“They did not walk casually into this honour, they earned it through distinction in a field of giants. This was not by accident, not by favour, but by merit. Let every officer here take note: this is the standard”, Egbetokun noted.
He emphasised that the new recognition system is part of a reform initiative that places a premium on performance, character, and professionalism.
As part of these reforms, the IGP announced that officers who receive the Police Officer of the Year award will now be recommended for accelerated promotion.
“Likewise, those who receive IGP commendations or win category awards for two consecutive years will be eligible for the same privilege.
“This policy was not issued for applause; it was born of conviction. Today, we are living it out in full view of the nation”, the IGP stated.
The IGP disclosed that only 38 officers out of over 300,000 personnel met the stringent criteria for accelerated promotion in the last round of assessments.
He stressed that the Nigeria Police Force is determined to institutionalise honour and excellence.
“This Force has entered an era where honour is not hidden, and excellence is not ignored. We did not set the bar low. That would insult the dignity of this exercise”, Egbetokun declared.
As a further gesture of institutional pride and encouragement, the portraits of CSP Aliyu and SP Obi will be displayed prominently at the entrance of the Force Headquarters and at all Zonal and State Commands until new honourees emerge.
The IGP also addressed detractors of the reforms, particularly those spreading misinformation and attacking progress through social media.
He warned that persistent mischief and attempts to undermine the Force’s integrity would face lawful consequences.
“Your lies will not derail our reforms. Your noise will not drown our resolve. And your provocations, if sustained, will be met with lawful consequences.
“The Nigeria Police Force is moving forward with or without your approval”, he said.
The IGP affirmed that the existing promotion structure remains intact but is now strengthened by a merit-driven reward system.
Between 2023 and now, over 10,000 officers have been promoted under the regular process, he revealed, highlighting that promotion is now determined by one’s contribution, not connections.
“There is no gender advantage, no ethnic preference, no religious pathway. Only merit,” he stressed.
The IGP also reminded the awardees that with higher rank comes greater responsibility.
He urged all officers to aspire toward excellence, discipline, and results, reinforcing that the evolving Nigeria Police Force will continue to champion reforms until service is associated with pride, and performance becomes the only route to promotion.
“The doors of honour are wide open. But they will not be entered with empty hands”, he noted.
