In a bid to promote excellence, dedication, and professionalism within the force, the Ogun State Police Command has honoured 39 police officers comprising five retired and 34 serving personnel with special commendations and awards.
The awards ceremony, held on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the Police Officers’ Mess in Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta, gathered senior police officers, family members, friends, and well-wishers to celebrate the recipients’ distinguished service to the country.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, described policing as a demanding national assignment that requires resilience, sacrifice, and an unyielding commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
“Decades of dedicated service, especially 35 years in the Police Force, represent a vital contribution to national security and deserve proper recognition. This commendation is aimed not only at appreciating meritorious service but also at inspiring serving personnel to remain committed to excellence,” CP Ojajuni said.
The CP revealed that the command’s initiative was inspired by a recent national gesture by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who recognised deserving officers at Force Headquarters in Abuja, including DST Anifa Bello (Rtd.), a former traffic officer who served in Ogun State. Ojajuni noted that the command felt it vital to replicate the gesture locally.
“Honouring retired officers goes beyond celebrating past service,” CP Ojajuni added. “It preserves institutional memory, strengthens the bond between active and retired personnel, and sends a clear message that dedication, discipline, and hard work remain deeply valued in the Nigeria Police Force.”
The five retired officers celebrated at the event were:
- CSP Salami Akanbi Moruf (Rtd.), former Commander, SWAT
- DSP Olaifa Emmanuel (Rtd.), former 2IC, SWAT
- DSP Ayanlola Olatunji (Rtd.), former O/C, SIT-REP
- DST Saanu John (Rtd.)
- DST Anifa Bello (Rtd.)
Among the 34 serving personnel recognised for their exceptional performance 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), alongside several inspectors, sergeants, and corporals.
Goodwill messages were delivered by senior officers, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), DCP Gbenga Adeoye, who praised the diligence and patriotism of the retired officers.
Divisional Police Officers CSP Lateef Balogun (Ibara) and CSP Rasak Adeoye (Aregbe) highlighted the long-standing careers of DST Anifa Bello (Rtd.) and DST Saanu John (Rtd.), both of whom enlisted in the Force in August and September 1991, completing 35 years of service.
Responding on behalf of the retirees, CSP Salami Akanbi Moruf (Rtd.) expressed gratitude to the police leadership for the recognition and praised CP Ojajuni’s mentorship.
“We are deeply grateful to the Commissioner and the Command for honouring our years of service. CP Bode Ojajuni has been a father, mentor, and caregiver to us all. Even in retirement, we remain ready to support the Force and the nation whenever our expertise is needed,” Moruf stated.
Speaking for the serving officers, SP Shittu Bamidele pledged that the awards would motivate the personnel to work harder toward a responsive and community-focused police force.
“We thank the Commissioner for this high honour. It reinforces our pledge to remain dedicated to professional, responsive, and people-oriented policing across the state,” Bamidele said.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID, DCP Oliver Ezirim, who commended the leadership structure of the command for prioritizing staff welfare and recognition.
