SP Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, has been honoured as Police Public Relations Officer of the Year at the 2024 Nigeria Police Force Awards and Commendations ceremony, held in Abuja on Wednesday evening.
Adeh was recognized for her effective use of social media to enhance police-citizen engagement and her professionalism in handling security communications.
She triumphed over strong contenders, including DSP Chinaka Chioma from the Abia State Command and SP Ikenganiya Anthony from the Anambra State Command.
The event, which celebrated bravery, integrity, and excellence within the force, also saw SP Mustapha Mohammed, Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the FCT Command, receive the Gallantry Award of the Year for his operational bravery.
He surpassed CSP Isiyaku Suleiman from the Katsina State Command and ASP Robinson Julius from the Delta State Command.
SP Obi Sentome of the Zone 16 Cybercrime Section was commended for his exemplary integrity, having refused a $17,000 bribe to release a suspect in custody.
Additionally, Insp. Nwuju Godstime of the Traffic Department, Elekahia Division in Rivers State, was named Traffic Warden of the Year, beating Inspectors Hussaini Jidauna from Adamawa and Alabi Kayode from Kwara State Commands.
In the Divisional Police Officer of the Year category, SP Garba Ibrahim of Jibia Division, Katsina State Command, emerged victorious, besting CSP Mohammed Padah from Nasarawa, CSP Ejike Alaribe from Imo, and the DPO of Ekpan, Delta State Command.
Special Achievement and Inspector General’s Recognition Awards
ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, was among several senior officers who received the 2024 Special Achievement Awards.
Other notable recipients included AIG Asihatu Baju, DCP Ahmed Sanusi, Commander of the Intelligence Response Team, CSP Shaba Gboayako, Chief Security Officer to the Imo State Governor, and CSP Ameh Lydia, Force Insurance Officer.
ACP Abattam Michael, the Area Commander for Owerri, Imo State, claimed the Area Commander of the Year award, surpassing ACP Amanyi Christopher from Karu, Nasarawa, and ACP Ali Gumel from Bori, Rivers State Command.
Furthermore, the Nigeria Police Force Cybercrime Centre, led by CP Uche Henry, and the Force’s aviation unit, comprising Police Pilots, received the Inspector General’s Special Recognition Awards.
In sports, CPL Juliet Chukwu of the Ebonyi State Command was crowned Police Sports Person of the Year, beating CPL Victor Ikechukwu from the Police Training School in Benin and CPL Oka Eworo from the Police College in Ikeja.
Addressing the gathering, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun lauded the award recipients for embodying courage, integrity, and excellence in their service.
He said:”The officers we celebrate today are not extraordinary because of fame or fortune. They are extraordinary because of their refusal to be ordinary. You embody quiet heroism, and tonight we pay tribute to your legacy.”
Egbetokun emphasized that the awards represented a deliberate shift towards celebrating merit, highlighting the rigorous and transparent selection process.
Persecondnews reports that nominations came from across the force, with final decisions based solely on merit and impact.
He urged those not recognized to draw inspiration, reminding them that “excellence is not a finish line; it is a daily standard.”
The IGP also paid tribute to fallen officers, describing them as “eternal sentinels of peace,” and reiterated the force’s commitment to innovation and community-based policing.
“The future of policing in Nigeria must be smarter, faster, more trusted, and unapologetically people-focused.”
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