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ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Olatunji Disu, has honoured 14 police officers for exceptional bravery displayed during anti-banditry operations and approved the accelerated promotion of five Police Air Wing personnel in recognition of their professional excellence, specialised aviation qualifications and outstanding service to the nation.
The recognition came during the decoration of newly promoted officers and presentation of letters of commendation to personnel of the Nigeria Police Air Wing, a ceremony that underscored the Nigeria Police Force’s growing emphasis on merit, professionalism and operational excellence.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police and Accountable Manager of the Nigeria Police Air Wing, CP Martin Nwogoh, described the honours as a clear demonstration of the IGP’s unwavering commitment to rewarding courage, competence and dedication to duty.
He revealed that several of the decorated officers had successfully executed high-risk missions despite sustaining gunshot wounds while supporting counter-banditry operations, displaying extraordinary courage under hostile fire.
According to him, some of the officers, though critically injured during operations, safely manoeuvred their aircraft to secure landing zones, prioritising mission success and the safety of colleagues above their personal wellbeing.
“Their courage, professionalism, resilience and exemplary conduct have distinguished them for recognition. Their sacrifices have not gone unnoticed, and their dedication has brought honour not only to themselves and their families but also to the Nigeria Police Force,” Nwogoh stated.
He noted that the Police Air Wing has become an indispensable component of Nigeria’s internal security architecture, providing aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, precision support, logistics operations, search and rescue missions, medical evacuation, election security and counter-insurgency operations across the country.
Nwogoh stressed that the increasing deployment of aerial surveillance and aerial bombardment has significantly strengthened the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes by improving intelligence capabilities and enhancing operational support for ground forces.
Highlighting the significance of the accelerated promotions, the Air Wing commander disclosed that the five police aviators had attained the required academic qualifications, professional certifications and operational licences issued by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), reflecting the Air Wing’s sustained commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
He commended the Inspector-General of Police for recommending the officers’ advancement to the Police Service Commission in recognition of their specialised aviation expertise.
“The promotion ceremony is a testament that the Inspector-General’s commitment to rewarding excellence and promoting professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force is indeed real. His leadership continues to inspire excellence and strengthen the operational capacity of the Force,” he said.
Nwogoh reminded the newly promoted officers that promotion represents more than a change in rank, describing it as a call to greater responsibility, leadership and accountability.
“I encourage you to wear your new rank with humility, integrity, discipline and unwavering commitment to the core values of the Nigeria Police Force. Let your actions continually justify the confidence reposed in you,” he charged.
He also expressed appreciation to all officers and personnel of the Police Air Wing for their dedication and professionalism, saying their sacrifices have continued to strengthen the operational effectiveness of the Force and reinforce public confidence in policing.
“As we celebrate today’s achievements, let us renew our commitment to excellence, discipline, teamwork and selfless service as we continue confronting the evolving security challenges facing our nation,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Assistant Commissioner of Police Oyewuwo Tesleem described the recognition as a tribute to courage, discipline and teamwork.
He dedicated the honour to serving officers as well as colleagues who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, assuring that the recognition would further strengthen the resolve of the recipients to continue serving Nigeria with professionalism, integrity and unwavering commitment.
The ceremony attracted senior police officers, aviation personnel and other stakeholders, who commended the Nigeria Police Force for sustaining operational momentum against insurgency, banditry and other emerging security threats while fostering a culture that rewards bravery, specialised competence and excellence in service.
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