The Police Service Commission (PSC) has announced the promotion of 8,053 senior police officers in a move described as one of the largest in recent history.
Among those promoted are officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) to Assistant Inspectors General (AIG), signaling significant changes in the force’s leadership structure.
The PSC disclosed the promotions in a statement released on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani.
The announcement confirmed that the promotions were approved earlier this week and aimed to strengthen the Nigerian Police Force’s efficiency and morale.
On Monday, 11 Commissioners of Police were promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspectors General (AIG), while 16 Deputy Commissioners of Police were elevated to substantive Commissioners of Police.
This marks a major shake-up in the top hierarchy of the police force, with the promoted officers expected to take on more significant roles in combating crime and maintaining law and order across the country.
On Tuesday, 21 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) were promoted to Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs).
Additionally, 57 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) moved up to the rank of Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs).
The PSC also confirmed that 1,348 Superintendents of Police (SPs) were promoted to Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs).
“This is a landmark achievement for the Nigerian Police Force and a boost to career progression within the force,” Ani said in the statement.
Other ranks were not left out in the massive exercise.
A total of 876 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) were elevated to Superintendents, while 5,829 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) were promoted to DSPs.
Among those promoted were several high-performing officers recognized for their dedication to duty.
Notable names include Anjuguri Manzah, Deputy Commanding Officer at Onne Port Division; Ihunwo Josephine, Zonal Public Relations Officer for Zone 13 in Ukpo; and Matilda Umiah Ngbaronye, a former Public Information Officer for the African Union Mission in Somalia.
Others include Opara Angela Precious, who serves at the IGP Secretariat, Force Headquarters, Abuja, and Ajaka Chinedu, an administrative officer at 44 Police Mobile Force (PMF).
The list also features Felix Ekpoudom, Officer-in-Charge of the Quick Intervention Unit in Akwa Ibom State, and Ehinola Temitope Layomi, an officer at 2 PMF, Lagos.
These promotions extend beyond Nigeria’s borders, with officers like Adamu Muye Jesyca Gobum, a Police Adviser to the United Nations, also elevated.
“These promotions are part of the commission’s efforts to reward hard work and dedication among officers,” Ani explained.
The promoted officers will now take on expanded responsibilities, with many expected to lead critical operations and reform efforts in their respective jurisdictions.
A breakdown of the promotions highlights the breadth of the exercise.
At the lower levels, 876 DSPs were promoted to SPs, including Nnakwe Ugochukwu of the Ebonyi State Command and Umar Faruk Yesufu, the ADC to the Akwa Ibom State Governor.
Similarly, ASPs promoted to DSPs include Mahid Mauazu Abubakar, a former Public Relations Officer of the Gombe State Command, and Aidenojie Walter, among others.
These promotions are coming at a time when the Nigerian Police Force faces numerous challenges, including rising insecurity, public criticism, and demands for greater accountability.
Experts believe the move will bolster the force’s morale and inspire confidence in its ability to protect lives and property.
Dr. Charles Nduka, a security analyst, praised the PSC for what he called “an unprecedented commitment to meritocracy and career advancement.”
“This promotion exercise is crucial because it allows competent officers to move up the ranks and apply their experience where it matters most,” Nduka said.
However, not everyone views the mass promotions positively.
Critics argue that structural reforms within the police force are more critical than promotions.
“While the promotions are commendable, they need to be accompanied by systemic changes to improve policing in Nigeria,” said Olusegun Taiwo, a legal expert and police reform advocate.
Public opinion on the matter has been divided, with many Nigerians questioning how the promoted officers will address pressing issues like corruption and human rights abuses.
Nonetheless, the PSC insists the promotions are based on performance, dedication, and adherence to the force’s principles of fairness and equity.
Ani emphasized that the commission followed due process in reviewing the records and achievements of all promoted officers.
He urged the newly promoted officers to redouble their efforts in combating crime and ensuring public safety.
The Nigerian Police Force, under the leadership of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, has been striving to improve its public image.
The IGP’s reform agenda includes community policing, better welfare for officers, and the deployment of modern technologies to enhance crime-fighting.
As part of the reform efforts, the promoted officers are expected to play a pivotal role in implementing these strategies.
“This is an opportunity for the police to demonstrate its commitment to serving the public with integrity and professionalism,” Ani stated.
The promotion exercise also underscores the importance of rewarding excellence and encouraging professionalism in Nigeria’s security agencies.
Many of the officers promoted have distinguished themselves in various capacities, from crime prevention to international peacekeeping missions.
Their elevation is seen as a recognition of their contributions to the nation’s security and a call to even greater service.
“I am grateful for this recognition and pledge to continue serving Nigeria with utmost dedication,” said one of the newly promoted officers, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
