…. says equity should be the bedrock of an all-inclusive policing

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu rtd, mni, has called for gender sensitivity and balance in the management of the personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.

He identified equity as the bedrock of an all-inclusive policing.

According to a press release on Tuesday, 29th July, 202,5 signed by the PSC Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC Chairman was speaking while receiving a delegation of the Gender Policy team from the Nigeria Police Force.

He reiterated the need for gender sensitivity and balance in the recruitment and distribution of responsibilities in the Police.

DIG Argungu further explained that diversity and disparity of human nature must be recognised in every aspect of human life to ensure a successful human endeavour.

He commended the Nigeria Police Force for taking the bold step towards institutional transformation and assured the delegation of the Commission’s full support in aligning its recruitment, discipline and promotion procedures with the principles outlined in the policy.

The PSC Chairman also emphasised the importance of creating a police institution that reflects equity, professionalism, and respect for human rights.

The leader of the NPF Gender Policy team, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Aishatu Abubakar Baju during her presentation highlighted the rationale for the revised edition of gender policy for the NPF noting that the new Policy will ensure that the NPF as an institution and Police Officers, can better appreciate the heterogenous nature, particularly the broad range of needs and interests of their target population.

The Police Force has the mandate to protect all interests and groups, including women and other vulnerable groups and not just those of the most visible and privileged groups in society”.

She further stated that the overall goal of the policy is to promote and protect human rights, social justice, and equity; eliminate all forms of gender-based discriminatory laws, regulations and practices within the NPF, and ensure that the police Force as a major security organ of government can effectively deal with gender- based violence and sexual abuse with the larger Nigerian society and also within the Force.

The AIG also stressed that childbearing should be regarded as national Service because in the process of procreating and its concomitant struggles, women tend to be negatively impacted in their career progression.

Justice Paul Adamu Galumje JSC (Rtd), the Honourable Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Commission, in his brief remarks at the ceremony, noted that justice is not served ‘a la carte’. He maintained that the gender issue should be guided by the principle of natural justice and equality.

Justice Galumje also stressed that women have a lot to do and that society should stop discriminating against themselves. He said, “There are no laws in the country that discriminate against women”.

DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, Commissioner representing the Police in the Commission, applauded the AIG for a job well done. He said she has started well and promised that the Commission will not relent in giving all the necessary support to the Police efforts on gender policy.

…..Urges wise use of funds to secure their future

In a profound show of solidarity and compassion, the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, CP Shettima Jauro Mohammed, psc, mnips, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, NPM, PhD, has presented cheques totaling ₦24,321,077.31 (Twenty-Four Million, Three Hundred and Twenty-One Thousand, Seventy-Seven Naira and Thirty-One Kobo) to families of officers who lost their lives or sustained injuries in the line of duty.

According to a press release signed by the Nasarawa State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ramhan Nansel, the financial support—disbursed under the IGP’s Family Welfare Scheme, Group Life Assurance, and Group Personal Accident Scheme—is a continuation of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel and their families.

Representing the CP at the presentation ceremony, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, DCP Richard Bala Gara, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved and affected families. He commended the Inspector-General for his unwavering dedication to the well-being of police officers, both in life and in sacrifice.

“This is not just a cheque—it’s a message of remembrance and appreciation. Let it serve as a foundation for something meaningful, a legacy that honours the memory of our fallen heroes,” CP Shettima said.

He further urged the recipients to use the funds judiciously—investing in ventures that would ensure lasting benefits for the families left behind.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Dauda Asalaka expressed gratitude to the IGP and the entire police leadership for the timely support, pledging that the funds would be wisely utilised to secure a better future for their families.

The Nasarawa State Police Command remains steadfast in its commitment to the welfare of its officers and their loved ones, upholding the core values of service, compassion, and accountability.

It was a thrilling and fun-filled Saturday, July 26, as football enthusiasts trooped to Atican Beach, Lekki, in large numbers to enjoy the beautiful game at the Lagos Campus Beach Soccer 2025.

After hours of intense competition on the scorching sandy beach, accompanied by electrifying music from DJ Bright, the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) emerged as the gold medal winner, having secured the highest number of points across all their matches.

LASUED demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical superiority, defeating Lagos City Polytechnic 1–0 in their opening game and holding the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to a goalless draw in a tense final encounter.

UNILAG, known for its rich sporting legacy, fought valiantly throughout the tournament. However, back-to-back draws against LASUED and Lagos City Polytechnic dashed their gold medal hopes, earning the Akoka-based team a well-deserved silver medal.

Lagos City Polytechnic, displaying impressive skill and teamwork, finished third—marking their strongest showing in a campus-level sports competition to date.

The tournament was flagged off by the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Grassroots Sports Development, Mr. Adebanji Atewogboye, who reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing the quality and reach of future editions.

“This event aligns perfectly with the Governor’s agenda of promoting grassroots sports development and using it as a vehicle for social impact. We are committed to supporting initiatives like this to positively transform the lives of youths in Lagos State,” said Mr. Atewogboye.

Bamidele Adeleye, Managing Director of BrandEscort Communications, expressed his excitement over the success of the inaugural edition, revealing that plans are already underway to expand the tournament in 2026 by inviting higher institutions from other states to participate.

Organised by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with BrandEscort Communications, the Lagos Campus Beach Soccer tournament brings together top tertiary institutions from across the state in a unique celebration of sporting talent and athleticism.

As the first of its kind in Nigeria, the tournament is designed to discover and spotlight promising young footballers from tertiary institutions within Lagos State and beyond.

…Says progress in security efforts must be acknowledged alongside failures

An independent observer closely monitoring Nigeria’s security situation, especially in Zamfara State and the wider Northwest, has faulted Amnesty International’s recent report titled “President Tinubu Must End the Bloodshed in Zamfara.”

In a detailed response, the observer described the mass killing of 38 kidnapped victims from Banga village in Kauran Namoda as a “heart-wrenching tragedy” and emphasised that the grief of the bereaved families should not be minimised. However, the statement criticised Amnesty International for what was described as a “blanket condemnation” of the Nigerian government, arguing that it failed to reflect the complexity of the situation on the ground or acknowledge recent gains in the fight against banditry.

“Facts Amnesty Ignores”

The observer cited several verified security operations and interventions that have yielded tangible results in Zamfara and neighbouring states over recent months. These include:

• Dismantling of multiple bandit camps in Tsafe, Dansadau, and Zurmi by combined security forces.
• Neutralisation of over 150 armed bandits between March and July 2025 during joint offensives.
• Rescue of kidnapped victims across several local government areas, many without ransom payments.
• Deployment of special forces and mobile units to identify flashpoints.

A recent operation in Niger State, just days before Amnesty’s statement, where troops with DSS support eliminated 45 bandits.

“These efforts, though not yet conclusive, demonstrate that security agencies are not asleep. Progress is happening. To ignore these realities is to present an incomplete and misleading picture,” the observer said.

One-Sided Advocacy Risks Credibility

While acknowledging the importance of advocacy and the need to demand more action from the government, the observer warned against what he described as “one-sided reports” that highlight only government failures while omitting strides being made.

“Amnesty International’s role is vital in championing human rights. But that role must be carried out with fairness, context, and responsibility. Neglecting the improvements demoralises the security forces and weakens public trust in international engagement,” the statement added.

Call for Balanced Engagement

The observer emphasised that resolving insecurity in Zamfara requires more than external criticism.

“What Zamfara needs is sustained, constructive pressure — not just finger-pointing. There must be an honest appraisal of both the failings and the gains. Civil society, government, and local communities must work together,” he said.

Conclusion: A Time for Balanced Truth

The statement concluded with a strong call for accuracy and fairness: “Yes, the people of Zamfara deserve peace and justice—but they also deserve a narrative that honours their pain, their resilience, and the efforts being made to restore order. In the pursuit of justice and accountability, truth must never be sacrificed for sensationalism.”

The observer urged Amnesty International and other international bodies to remain steadfast in their mission but also mindful of the nuances in complex conflict zones like Nigeria’s Northwest.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, today presided over the decoration ceremony of newly promoted senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force, charging them to embrace integrity, responsibility, and innovation in their new roles.

Speaking at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, the IGP described the event as not merely ceremonial but a moment of profound significance, an affirmation of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to meritocracy, discipline, and professional excellence.

A total of twelve officers were decorated with the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police and sixteen with the rank of Commissioner of Police. The IGP emphasised that the promotions were earned through consistent merit, unrelenting dedication, and demonstrated leadership capacity.

“Your promotions were not arbitrary; they are hard-won achievements… They reflect a renewed commitment by this administration to fairness, transparency, and meritocracy in our internal processes,” he stated.

Egbetokun reminded the newly promoted officers that their elevation marks not the end of their efforts, but a call to higher responsibility and greater expectations. He urged them to be leaders who reflect courage, empathy, discipline, and above all, integrity.

“You are now positioned to influence the tone and direction of policing across the country… Your actions will shape perceptions of the Force and influence the course of policing in Nigeria,” he noted.

The IGP also reaffirmed the commitment of the current police administration to the welfare and career advancement of its personnel, stating that performance-based promotions remain central to boosting morale and institutional growth.

He thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his strategic support to the Police Force, citing the administration’s reforms and investments as key to the ongoing transformation in the Force.

He also extended appreciation to the Police Service Commission (PSC), led by DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd.), for its transparent and principled oversight of the promotion exercise.

Egbetokun did not forget to recognise the families of the newly promoted officers, acknowledging their sacrifices and steadfast support over the years.

“Today is as much your day as it is theirs. We honour your patience, your resilience, and your steadfast support,” he added.

In closing, the IGP charged the officers to lead with vision, serve with distinction, and build public trust through community engagement and inter-agency collaboration. He also thanked all guests and stakeholders who graced the occasion, wishing them safe travels back to their destinations.

The ceremony marks another milestone in the ongoing efforts to reposition the Nigeria Police Force as a professional, people-oriented, and globally respected institution.

Among the newly decorated officers are AIGs Emmanuel Adegbola Aina, Enyinnaya Adiogu fsi, Ronke Nurat Okunade fsi, Johnson Oluwole Adenola, Hassan Audu Yabanet, Chinedu Oko, Aminu Baba Raji, Omolara Oloruntola, Akoh Benedict Gabriel, Tijani Ahmadu Abdullahi (rtd), Mohammed Usman, and Bretet Emmanuel.

In addition, the decorated officers from the rank of Deputy Commissioners of Police to Commissioners of Police are CPs Sheik Mohammed Danko, Abiola Reuben Olutunde, Charles Dike, Victor Erivwode, Nnanna Oji Ama, Micheal Falade, Yakubu Dankaro, Gabriel Elaigwu, Emefile Tony Osifo fsi, Umar Ahmed Chuso, Aina Adesola, Uduak Uta, Sylvester Edogbanya fsi, Musa Muhammed Sani, Omoikhudu Philip, and Innocent Anagbado.

In attendance were the Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Oyewunmi Olalere; the Right Honourable Obi Aguoda, Member of the House of Representatives; the Perm Sec of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore; the Executive Secretary of the Police Trust Fund, Femi Mohammed Sheidu; members of the Force Management Team; serving and retired Senior Police Officers, families of the promoted; and other dignitaries.