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Francis Onoiribholo
Five officers of the Edo State police command have been honoured for their galantry, exceptional professionalism and outstanding contributions to the fight against crime.
The five officers were also rewarded by a Benin based philanthropist, Mr. Afolabi Alayiwola, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, who donated five bags of rice and four solar-powered fans to support their welfare.
The honoured gallant officers include SP Godspower Etinosa Osagie, SP Ikebe Peter Ogah, SP Mariam Andrew Iyobe, CSP Idaba Peters and ASP Shalom Jaret.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony at the Command Headquarters in Benin City, the Edo State Commissioner of police, CP Monday Agbonika said the officers earned the recognition through their commitment, courage and operational successes in tackling kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other violent crimes across Edo State.
He described the honoured officers as frontline operatives who have repeatedly risked their lives in dangerous operations against criminal gangs, revealing that they often spent several days in forests pursuing kidnappers under extremely harsh conditions.
“There are times these officers remain in the bush for three days without food or water while tracking kidnappers. They have distinguished themselves in intelligence gathering, technology-driven policing, partnership with the people and, most importantly, in delivering results,” he stated.
Agbonika said the recognition was intended to motivate the recipients and inspire other officers to embrace professionalism and dedication, adding that the Command would recommend the outstanding officers to the Inspector-General of Police for further recognition, including possible promotions and other rewards.
The commissioner, however, made it clear that while excellence would continue to attract rewards, misconduct would equally attract sanctions.
He disclosed that officers accused of extortion and other forms of unprofessional conduct had been arrested and detained, stressing that discipline remains a key component of the Command’s reform agenda.
“While we reward officers who distinguish themselves, we also punish those found wanting. Officers accused of extortion and other acts of misconduct have been arrested and detained. This carrot-and-stick approach will strengthen discipline and improve public confidence in the police,” he said.
Agbonika however recalled that the Command had earlier showcased several major breakthroughs during its operational briefing, including the recovery of arms and ammunition, the arrest of suspected kidnappers, cultists and murder suspects, the recovery of ransom money, the retrieval of stolen vehicles and the rescue of kidnapped victims through intelligence-led operations.
According to the police commissioner, the achievements were made possible through the officers’ professionalism, effective use of technology and intelligence, as well as strong collaboration with local communities under the Inspector-General of Police’s community-oriented policing initiative.
“The Inspector-General of Police has always enjoined us to adopt a problem-solving approach and community-oriented policing. Because of that, the Command has embraced people-centred policing, and we are receiving more intelligence from members of the public than ever before and this is translating into greater operational successes” CP Agbonika declared..
Presenting his gifts to the honoured officers , Mr. Afolabi Alayiwola, SAN, said the donation was his personal way of appreciating the sacrifices and unwavering commitment of the police officers who have continued to protect lives and property despite the risks associated with their duties.
Afolabi however urged the beneficiaries and other officers to remain steadfast in their commitment to public service, assuring that their contribution will not be in vain, just as he said hard work done with purpose and dedication is never useless.
Responding, the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the police leadership and the donor for the recognition, describing it as a morale booster that would spur them to greater commitment.
