The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has honoured 24 police officers who retired after 35 years of meritorious service to the Nigeria Police Force, commending their sacrifices, dedication and contributions to national security.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu said the retirees were celebrated on Thursday by the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, during a retirement ceremony held at the department’s premises.
In a goodwill message, Disu congratulated the officers for successfully completing 35 years of service to the Force and the nation, describing their careers as a testament to discipline, commitment and dedication to duty.
The IGP acknowledged their contributions to the protection of lives and property, crime investigation and the maintenance of law and order across the country.
Disu assured the retirees that retirement from active service did not mean they had ceased to be members of the police family, stressing that the experience, knowledge and professional expertise they acquired over the years remained valuable to the Force.
He said their sacrifices would continue to be appreciated and urged them to remain proud of their service to Nigeria as they commenced a new chapter of their lives.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID, Yaba, DCP Dayo Akinbisehin, described the retirement of the 24 officers as a significant milestone for the Lagos State Police Command.
Akinbisehin said the retirees collectively represented decades of sacrifice, bravery and unwavering commitment to policing, having devoted a substantial part of their lives to protecting the country and its citizens.
He noted that their careers involved demanding assignments, long working hours and the constant responsibility of responding to complex security challenges.
The DCP particularly highlighted the demanding nature of criminal investigation, noting that SCID, Panti, is one of Lagos State’s foremost investigative formations and routinely handles high-profile, complex and sensitive criminal cases.
According to him, officers serving in the department are frequently required to investigate serious offences, gather and preserve evidence, pursue suspects and work under intense pressure to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.
He said the retirees made significant contributions to these responsibilities throughout their careers and helped strengthen the investigative capacity of the department.
Akinbisehin stressed that the significance of their service went beyond the 35 years they spent in uniform, describing the period as decades of personal sacrifice and commitment to the safety and security of communities.
He also paid tribute to the families of the retirees, describing their spouses, children, relatives and friends as “unsung heroes” who supported the officers throughout their careers.
According to him, the demands of police work often extend to families, who must cope with long working hours, unpredictable schedules, difficult assignments and the risks associated with law enforcement.
The DCP called for stronger public support for the Nigeria Police Force, saying improved welfare for personnel would enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen public confidence in the institution.
He also emphasised the importance of police-community cooperation, stressing that sustainable peace and security require a partnership between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
One of the retirees, ASP Udoh Patrick, urged serving officers to maintain cordial relationships with members of the public and conduct themselves with humility, honesty, moderation and respect.
Patrick cautioned officers against harsh treatment of citizens, stressing that constructive engagement between the police and communities was essential to building public trust.
He appealed to Nigerians to see the police as partners rather than adversaries in the collective responsibility of maintaining peace, security and public order.
The retired officer also urged serving personnel to uphold the highest standards of integrity in the handling of exhibits and other items recovered during investigations.
He warned that any compromise in the management of evidence could undermine the credibility of investigations, the administration of justice and public confidence in the Force.
Another retiree, DSP Rita Momah, who said she spent about 35 years serving in Lagos State, expressed satisfaction at the completion of her career and the opportunity to begin a new phase of her life.
Momah reflected on her years in the Force, saying her career exposed her to diverse experiences and challenges that contributed significantly to her personal and professional development.
The ceremony provided an opportunity to celebrate the 24 retirees while recognising the sacrifices made by police personnel in the course of protecting communities, investigating crimes, responding to security threats and supporting the administration of justice.
As the officers leave active service after 35 years, the IGP’s assurance that they remain part of the police family underscores the continuing value of their experience and contributions to the Nigeria Police Force.
