By peterside Rejoice
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has dismissed reports alleging irregularities in the recent promotion exercise within the Nigeria Police Force, insisting that the process was transparent, merit-based, and in line with established standards.
Egbetokun made this known on Tuesday during the decoration ceremony of newly promoted senior officers at the Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the Police Chief said the ceremony was not just about advancement in rank but a celebration of excellence, character, and distinguished service.
“Today, we celebrate not just advancement in rank, but the affirmation of excellence, character, and distinguished service within the Nigeria Police Force. We mark not just promotion but the reaffirmation of trust, competence, and integrity,” he said.
The IGP congratulated the newly promoted officers, urging them to uphold fairness, justice, and professionalism in their leadership roles. He said every rank in the Force represents responsibility and service to the nation, not privilege.
“The higher we rise, the deeper our responsibility to serve with wisdom, restraint, and courage. Every insignia worn at this level must represent not privilege, but purpose—a reminder that authority is meaningful only when it uplifts the institution and strengthens public trust,” Egbetokun added.
Addressing rumours of a promotion scandal, the IGP described such claims as the handiwork of mischief-makers bent on discrediting the Force.
“The Nigeria Police Force has nothing to hide and nothing to defend. Every promotion exercise conducted under this administration has followed due process transparent, merit-based, and in strict conformity with established standards. There is no promotion scandal in the Nigeria Police Force. What we have is a system that rewards diligence, professionalism, and proven capacity,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to fairness and merit, adding that promotions were guided solely by competence, performance, and discipline, not favouritism, nepotism, or tribal sentiment.
Egbetokun also charged the officers to embrace community policing and intelligence-led operations in tackling the nation’s growing security challenges.
“The Nigerian people expect a Force that is smarter, more responsive, and deeply connected to the communities it serves. Harness technology, empower your personnel, and drive innovations that keep our operations one step ahead of criminal enterprises,” he charged.
The Police Chief expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to the Nigeria Police Force, noting that the President’s reforms have enhanced the welfare and operational capacity of officers.
He also commended the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), and other members of the Commission for their collaboration and commitment to transparency in the promotion process.
While congratulating the newly promoted officers, Egbetokun reminded them that leadership at their level requires integrity, moral courage, and service above self.
“Leadership is measured not by rank but by impact. Promotion brings privilege, but also deeper scrutiny. You must inspire your teams to uphold discipline, professionalism, and trust,” he said.
The IGP also appreciated the families of the promoted officers for their sacrifices and support, describing them as “the silent strength behind every triumph.”
He urged the officers to justify the trust reposed in them by contributing to a modern, accountable, and people-focused Police Force that earns trust at home and respect abroad.
The ceremony witnessed the decoration of newly promoted Deputy Inspectors-General, Assistant Inspectors-General, and Commissioners of Police.
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