IGP To Decorate Shabba, Obi, Other Promoted National Award Recipients Today

‎– As Police Service Commission Conveys Approval
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By Daniel Dafe

‎The Nigeria Police Force is set to take a bold and historic step in the direction of motivation, meritocracy, and morale-boosting as the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, prepares to decorate select officers recently approved for promotion by the Police Service Commission (PSC).

‎DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, said this in a statement, adding that those to be decorated are “officers whose conduct, courage, and character have stood out in service to the nation.”
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‎According to the statement, “these are not just promotions; they are public endorsements of excellence.”

Continuing, he said they are “officers who, despite the odds, chose the path of integrity, went the extra mile, and reminded us all what true service looks like.”

‎Recall that in Press Release No. CZ:5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/472 dated 25th July 2025, the Force publicly committed to recommending for accelerated promotion, any officer who had been named Police Officer of the Year or won in any of the Police award categories twice in two consecutive award years or received IGP recognition award twice in two consecutive years.
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‎”That commitment made transparently and intentionally was driven by the IGP’s deep belief that rewarding excellence is the cornerstone of institutional reform,” he said.
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‎He said further: “In line with that resolution from the Force Management Team meeting of 23rd June 2025, the names of qualifying officers were forwarded to the Police Service Commission and the Commission has now conveyed its approval.

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‎”Accordingly, the Inspector-General of Police will, on Tuesday, 5th August 2025 by 12 noon, at the IGP Smart Conference Room, Force Headquarters, Abuja, decorate the following officers:

‎ • CSP Shaba Aliyu, Police Officer of the Year 2023, promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police with effect from 31st December 2023.

‎ • SP Sentome Obi, Police Officer of the Year 2024, promoted to Chief Superintendent of Police with effect from 31st December 2024.
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‎”These officers are not alone. Also benefiting from this wave of accelerated promotions are those who have won awards twice within the last two award circles and several Staff Officers at the IGP Secretariat, who have received multiple commendation letters in the past two years for distinguished service.
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‎”To underscore the importance of this moment, the Inspector-General has directed the deployment of the police jet to convey ACP Aliyu Shaba, Police man of the year 2023 and CSP Sentome Obi, police man of the year 2024 to Abuja for their formal decoration by the IGP. In addition, the photographs of ACP Shaba and CSP Sentome Obi, who embody the highest ideals of courage and honesty, have been proudly displayed at the main entrance of Force Headquarters, as earlier directed by the IGP. Also directives have earlier been given to the effect that their pictures be displayed at the entrances of Zonal and States Command Headquarters
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‎”This is what institutional pride looks like. This is how trust is built, from within.
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‎”But while we celebrate progress, we must also sound a note of concern.”
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‎Furthermore, he said that “it is disturbing that noble efforts such as these, geared toward building a highly motivated, ethically driven police force, are being sabotaged by malicious actors.”

In his words, “A well-known social media platform with a consistent record of spreading lies and inflicting reputational harm on institutions and public officials has launched yet another attack, twisting facts, maligning honour, and attempting to distract from a narrative of hope.”
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‎Adding: “We have all along refused their provocation and tolerated their destructive tendencies but have now been pushed to the extreme. We will no longer be silent on their criminal destructions. The Nigeria Police Force will henceforth respond decisively albeit within the ambit of the law to falsehoods calculated to derail reform, further harm our institutional and individual reputations and demoralize our officers.
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“‎We stand firm in our mission: to build a force where honour is celebrated, service is valued, and excellence is not an exception but the expectation.”
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‎To police officers across the country, he said: “This is your reminder that the job is not thankless. Your sacrifices are seen. Your integrity will not go unnoticed. And the Nigeria Police Force, under the current leadership, is committed to ensuring that professionalism is not just praised, but promoted.”
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