Azare decorates newly promoted officers, hails IGP Egbetokun’s leadership

Etim Ekpimah

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, on Monday, 3 November 2025, decorated 24 (twenty-four) newly promoted Senior Police Officers in a memorable ceremony held at the Command’s Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia.

In his address, Azare emphasised that promotion within the Nigeria Police Force is not a routine exercise but a recognition of “hard work, discipline, dedication to duty and loyalty to the ideals of our noble profession.”

DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, said Azare described the event as a celebration of excellence and a reminder of the greater responsibilities that accompany every elevation in rank.

The Commissioner of Police, on behalf of the officers and men of the Command, expressed profound appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, NPM, PhD, for his unwavering commitment to staff welfare, capacity building, and professional advancement.

Azare stated, “The Force, under the leadership of the IGP, has consistently prioritised merit, fairness, and competence in the promotion process. The result is what was witnessed every day as an inspired, motivated, and better-positioned police force.”

Addressing the newly decorated officers directly, CP Azare extended his congratulations, noting that their promotion is a call to greater service, renewed integrity, and a deeper commitment to professionalism.

“As you wear your new ranks, remember that the higher you go, the greater the expectations placed upon you.

“The citizens of Akwa Ibom State and, indeed, Nigeria look up to you to uphold the rule of law, protect lives and property, and continue to demonstrate exemplary leadership,” he charged the newly promoted officers.

Azare reiterated the command’s commitment to the ongoing reforms of the Nigeria Police Force, which are aimed at strengthening operational efficiency, improving public trust, and ensuring accountability.

He highlighted the command’s pursuit of these objectives through robust community policing, intelligence-driven operations, and strong collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders.

He also commended the entire command for their resilience and dedication to duty, which has led to continued successes in crime prevention, investigation, and prosecution, urging them to remain steadfast in the collective resolve to make Akwa Ibom one of the safest states in the country.

A special appreciation was extended to the families and loved ones of the officers for their unwavering support and shared sacrifices.

Azare urged the newly promoted officers to see their recognition not as the end of a journey, but as the beginning of a greater one, advising them to “be humble, fair, just, and above all, committed to the oath you have sworn to uphold.”

Some of the newly promoted and decorated officers include CSP Maximus Sarah Oloto, CSP Juliana Oriji Okwe,  O/C HR, Uyo Area Command, CSP Silvester Ujo Ikpa, SCID (Disaster),  CSP Julius Chimobi Egbiri,  2i/C CMU, CSP Okpo Nkoyo Emmanuel, O/C Cybercrime, CSP Victor M. Iyogun, Itu/Ibiono Area Command, SP Florence Bassey, Works Department, SP Peter John, 26 PMF and 17 other officers.

Speaking on behalf of the promotees, CSP Maximus Sarah Oloto appreciates the Inspector General of Police for recommending them for promotion and the Police Service Commission for approving a rigorous examination. She also applauded the Commissioner of Police, his management team and their direct supervisors for their exemplary leadership.