In a recent development, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has given the green light to the promotion of 5,718 senior police officers across various categories, reinforcing their commitment to enhancing the ranks within the force.
The PSC spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, made this announcement in a statement released on Thursday, underscoring the importance of these promotions within the police ranks. This move encompasses officers both in general duties and specialized roles.
Among the notable promotions approved by the PSC are the elevation of 12 Commissioners of Police to the prestigious rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police. Furthermore, 19 Deputy Commissioners of Police have been promoted to the substantive rank of Commissioners of Police, while 21 Assistant Commissioners of Police have advanced to the next rank of Deputy Commissioners.
Significantly, 33 Chief Superintendents of Police have ascended to the rank of Assistant Commissioners. Additionally, 265 Superintendents of Police have been promoted to Chief Superintendents, with 59 Deputy Superintendents now holding the rank of Superintendents. Notably, 4,750 Assistant Superintendents, along with 146 Assistant Superintendents who were inadvertently omitted during the May 2022 promotion exercise, have been elevated to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police.
In the specialist cadre, the PSC has granted promotions to two Assistant Commissioners of Police, representing Airwing and Forensic departments, who have been elevated to the rank of Deputy Commissioners. This comprehensive promotion also includes 47 Chief Superintendents of Police, encompassing 23 medical doctors and 24 veterinary doctors, who have risen to the rank of Assistant Commissioners of Police.
Furthermore, 190 Superintendents of Police from various units, including the Computer Infotech Unit, Works, Workshop, Transport, Forensic, Handwriting, Ballistics, Religion, and Veterinary departments, have also been promoted. In addition, 47 specialists of Assistant Superintendent of Police rank from various units have been promoted to Deputy Superintendents.
The 12 distinguished Commissioners of Police who have earned promotion to the esteemed rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police include Ogundele Ayodeji, CP Niger State; CP Patrick Edung, CP Courses Police Academy Wudil Kano; CP Badru Lawal; Deputy Commandant, Police Academy Kano; CP Bartholomew Nnamdi Onyeka; CP Benue State; CP Suleiman Yusuf; CP Taraba State; CP Idowu Owohunwa; CP Lagos State; and CP Rhoda Olofu, CP PAP Western Ports Lagos.
Rounding up the list are CP Godwin Aghaulor; CMDT Police College Kaduna; CP Effiom Ekot CP Jigawa State; CP Stanley Kanayo-Chukwu Ude; CP Intelligence and Investigation, Interpol Abuja; CP Longe Patrick; CP Osun State; and CP Ndu Anene, CP Admin Research and Planning Force Headquarters.
The PSC Chairman, Solomon Arase, has urged the newly promoted officers to embrace a fresh approach to policing, characterized by a people-friendly demeanor and a deep respect for human rights. This shift in policing culture is expected to enhance the relationship between law enforcement and the community they serve.