Ogun police honour 39 serving and retired officers for distinguished service

The Ogun State Police Command has honoured 39 serving and retired officers for distinguished service, presenting commendation awards at a ceremony in Abeokuta. Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni presented the awards to five retired and 34 serving officers at the Police Officers’ Mess in Ibara Housing Estate. He described policing as taxing and stressful, and said the recipients deserved recognition for their efforts to protect lives and property.

Among the retired officers honoured were former Special Weapons and Tactics commander CSP Salami Murphy, DSP Olaifa Emmanuel, DSP Ayanlola Olatunji and DST Saanu Johnson. DST Anifat Bello, a well-known Abeokuta traffic officer who retired in August, was also recognised. Serving recipients included the officer in charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, SP Shittu Bamidele, as well as SP Gbenga Ademola, SP Balogun Sherrif, ASP Olupona Helen and ASP Jimoh Lasisi.

Ojajuni said the initiative followed efforts by Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu to recognise officers who had retired after distinguished careers. He said the Ogun command was replicating that recognition locally and extending it to officers who were not honoured in Abuja. The commissioner said retirement after 35 years of police service was a significant achievement.

He added that recognising officers would encourage those still serving to perform beyond the routine requirements of their duties. Murphy, speaking for the retirees, thanked the command for the gesture. He said the officers were retired but not tired, and remained available to assist the Ogun command, the Nigeria Police and the country when their services were required.