YOU REMAIN PART OF THE POLICE FAMILY” — IGP DISU HONOURS 24 LAGOS RETIREES AFTER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE

YOU REMAIN PART OF THE POLICE FAMILY” — IGP DISU HONOURS 24 LAGOS RETIREES AFTER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE

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 decades of sacrifice, dedication and contribution to policing and national security. The officers were honoured on Thursday by the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, during a ceremony held at the department’s premises to celebrate their retirement from active service.

In a goodwill message to the retirees, Disu congratulated the officers on successfully completing 35 years of service to the Force and the nation, describing their careers as a testament to commitment and dedication to duty.

The IGP expressed pride in their achievements and contributions over the years, noting that their service had formed part of the efforts to protect lives and property, investigate crimes and maintain law and order across the country. Disu assured the retirees that their departure from active service did not mean they were leaving the Nigeria Police Force or losing their place within the police family.

He said the experience, knowledge and professional contributions they accumulated during their years in service remained valuable to the Force, adding that the sacrifices they made in the course of their duties would continue to be appreciated. The IGP wished them fulfilment and success as they entered a new chapter of their lives and urged them to remain proud of their service to Nigeria.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the SCID, Yaba, DCP Dayo Akinbisehin, described the retirement ceremony as a monumental milestone in the history of the Lagos State Police Command and the department. Akinbisehin said the 24 retirees represented decades of sacrifice, bravery and unwavering commitment to duty, having spent a significant part of their lives serving the country through policing.

He noted that their careers were defined by demanding assignments, long working hours and the responsibility of responding to security challenges in difficult circumstances.

The DCP particularly highlighted the demanding nature of criminal investigation, explaining that the SCID, Panti, as one of the foremost police investigation departments in Lagos State, routinely handles high-profile, complex and sensitive criminal cases.

He said officers attached to the department are often required to investigate serious offences, work under pressure, gather evidence and pursue suspects with the ultimate responsibility of ensuring that offenders are brought to justice. According to him, the retirees made significant contributions to these responsibilities throughout their careers and played important roles in strengthening the department’s investigative work.

Akinbisehin said the service rendered by the retirees should be viewed beyond the number of years they spent in uniform, stressing that their 35 years represented decades of personal sacrifice and commitment to the safety of communities.

He acknowledged that police officers often perform their duties under circumstances that require them to put the interests of the public ahead of their personal comfort and safety.

He therefore commended the retirees for remaining committed to their responsibilities and for contributing their knowledge and experience to the development of policing during their active years.

The DCP also paid tribute to the families of the retired officers, describing spouses, children, relatives and friends as the “unsung heroes” behind their successful careers. He noted that the demands of police work often extend to the families of officers, who have to cope with long working hours, difficult assignments, unpredictable schedules and the risks associated with law enforcement. Akinbisehin said the support provided by the families helped the officers remain focused on their responsibilities and deserved recognition as the retirees formally brought their active careers to an end.

He further called for stronger public support for the Nigeria Police Force, stressing that improved welfare for police personnel would help address some of the challenges affecting effective policing and boost public confidence in the institution. According to him, officers who are adequately supported and provided with improved welfare are better positioned to perform their duties effectively. He also emphasised the importance of cooperation between the police and members of the public, noting that maintaining peace and security requires a partnership between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.

One of the retirees, ASP Udoh Patrick, who retired after 35 years of service, used the occasion to advise serving police officers to maintain good relationships with members of the public. Patrick urged personnel to demonstrate humility, honesty, moderation and respect in their interactions with citizens, while avoiding harsh treatment that could further widen the gap between the police and the communities they serve. He appealed to Nigerians not to regard the police as enemies but as partners in the collective responsibility of maintaining peace, security and order, stressing that regular engagement between officers and communities would help build trust and confidence in the Force.

Patrick also urged serving officers to maintain a high level of integrity in the handling of exhibits and other items recovered during police investigations. He stressed that the proper management of exhibits was essential to the credibility of criminal investigations and the administration of justice, warning that any compromise in the handling of evidence could undermine public confidence in the police. He therefore called on officers to remain disciplined and accountable in the discharge of their responsibilities, saying integrity should remain a fundamental principle for anyone entrusted with the responsibility of enforcing the law.

Another retiree, DSP Rita Momah, who said she served in Lagos State for about 35 years, expressed excitement about retiring and having the opportunity to rest after decades of active service. Momah reflected on her career in the police, saying the years exposed her to different experiences and challenges that provided important lessons and opportunities for personal and professional growth. She noted that her time in the Force also gave her the opportunity to learn, serve the public and contribute to society in different capacities, adding that the retirement marked the beginning of another phase of her life.

The ceremony therefore served as both a celebration of the 24 retirees and a recognition of the sacrifices made by police personnel throughout their careers. From criminal investigations and community protection to responding to security challenges and supporting the administration of justice, the officers spent 35 years contributing to the work of the Nigeria Police Force. As they leave active service, the IGP’s message that they remain part of the police family underscores the continued value of their experience, while the Lagos State Police Command’s recognition of their service marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another for the retired officers.

CSP Ani Iniedu, anipr
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
4th September, 2026