OGUN POLICE HONOURS FIVE RETIRED, THIRTY-FOUR SERVING OFFICERS WITH CP’S COMMENDATIONS, AWARDS.

In recognition of dedication, professionalism, sacrifice and meritorious service to the Nigeria Police Force and the Public, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, has honoured 39 police officers, comprising five retired and 34 serving officers, with the Commissioner of Police’s Commendations and Awards.

The ceremony, held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta, brought together serving and retired officers, senior police officers, families, friends, colleagues and well-wishers to celebrate distinguished service and professional excellence.

The five retired officers honoured were CSP Salami Akanbi Moruf, former Commander, SWAT; DSP Olaifa Emmanuel, former 2IC, SWAT; DSP Ayanlola Olatunji, former O/C, SIT-REP; DST Saanu John; and DST Anifa Bello.

Among the 34 serving officers honoured were SP Shittu Bamidele, O/C Anti-Kidnapping Unit; SP Gbenga Ayodele, O/C Anti-Robbery Unit; DSP Sheriff Balogun, 2IC, SWAT; ASP Adetutu Adesida, 2IC, Anti-Kidnapping Unit; ASP Ojikutu Akinola, Admin Officer, Anti-Kidnapping Unit; ASP Olupona Helen; ASP Jimoh Lasisi; Insp. Balogun Samuel; Insp. Adelaja Oluwatosin; Insp. Ojogo Ogundeji; Sgt. Muhammed Rukayat; Cpl. Adenuga Rasaki; and Cpl. Adeyanju Elijah, alongside other deserving personnel.

Speaking at the ceremony, CP Ojajuni described policing as an arduous national responsibility requiring sacrifice, resilience, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.

The Commissioner noted that decades of dedicated service, particularly 35 years in the Police Force, represented a significant contribution to national service and deserved to be acknowledged.

He explained that the commendation was intended not only to appreciate meritorious service but also to encourage serving personnel to remain committed to excellence.

CP Ojajuni stated that the gesture followed the recognition of deserving personnel by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, at Force Headquarters, Abuja, among them retired DST Anifa Bello, a dedicated traffic officer who served meritoriously in Ogun State.

He added that the Ogun Command considered it important to replicate the gesture locally and ensure that other deserving officers were equally honoured.

The CP stressed that honouring retired officers goes beyond celebrating their past service.

According to him, it preserves institutional memory, strengthens the bond between serving and retired personnel and reinforces the message that dedication, professionalism and commitment to duty remain valued within the Nigeria Police Force.

In his goodwill message, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Gbenga Adeoye, paid tribute to retired CSP Salami Akanbi Moruf, retired DSP Olaifa Emmanuel and retired DSP Ayanlola Olatunji, commending their diligence, professionalism, dedication and meritorious service to the nation.

Similarly, the Divisional Police Officers of Ibara and Aregbe, CSP Lateef Balogun and CSP Rasak Adeoye, highlighted the distinguished careers of DST Anifa Bello (Rtd.) and DST Saanu John (Rtd.), who enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on 1 September 1991 and 1 August 1991.

Speaking on behalf of the retired officers, CSP Salami Akanbi Moruf expressed appreciation to the Commissioner and the Command for honouring their years of dedicated service.

He described CP Bode Ojajuni as a father, mentor and caregiver, and assured the Command of the retired officers’ continued willingness to support the Force and the nation whenever their services are required.

On behalf of the serving awardees, SP Shittu Bamidele thanked the Commissioner for the honour and pledged their continued commitment to professional, responsive and people-oriented policing.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, DCP Oliver Ezirim, delivered the vote of thanks, appreciating the Commissioner, dignitaries, serving and retired officers, families, friends, colleagues and other guests for honouring the awardees and making the occasion memorable.

The ceremony reaffirmed CP Bode Ojajuni’s commitment to a leadership culture that recognises merit, values institutional experience and motivates personnel to give their best in service to the people.

The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to professional, responsive and people-oriented policing, while sustaining a workforce motivated by integrity, dedication, discipline and excellence.