IGP DISU SALUTES 24 LAGOS SCID RETIREES, SAYS 35 YEARS OF SERVICE REMAIN VALUABLE TO POLICE FORCE
IGP commends decades of sacrifice as DCP Akinbisehin, retired officers call for improved welfare, professionalism and stronger public trust
By The People’s Voice Nigeria News
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has paid glowing tribute to 24 officers of the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti-Yaba, who retired after 35 years of meritorious service, assuring them that their experience, sacrifices and contributions remain valuable to the Nigeria Police Force even after retirement.
The IGP stated this in a goodwill message delivered at a special retirement reception held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the SCID premises in Yaba, Lagos, in honour of the officers who devoted three and a half decades to policing and national service.
IGP Disu congratulated the retired officers on attaining what he described as a significant milestone, expressing appreciation for their commitment, sacrifices and years of service to the Force.
He emphasised that retirement should not be regarded as a complete departure from the police family, noting that the wealth of experience and professional knowledge accumulated by the officers remains an important part of the history and institutional memory of the Nigeria Police Force.
The IGP also acknowledged the demanding nature of police work and the personal sacrifices required of officers throughout their careers, while wishing the retired officers peace, fulfilment and success as they begin a new chapter of their lives.
His message set the tone for a ceremony that celebrated a generation of police officers whose careers were defined by investigation, law enforcement, public service and sacrifice.
The 24 Officers Honoured
Twenty-four officers who retired after 35 years of meritorious service were honoured at the ceremony.
While 22 of the retired officers were represented on the commemorative banner, two other retired officers, who are deceased, were also recognised posthumously, bringing the total number honoured to 24.
The 22 officers represented on the commemorative banner are:
- CSP Lydia Ohifemen
- CSP Ihende Godday
- SP Abiola Oyetunji
- SP Anthony Moses Jeye
- DSP Ishola Isiaka Adeyinka
- DSP Thomas Nurudeen
- DSP Abdulmalik Aliyu
- DSP Musa Nurudeen
- DSP Wahab Kazeem
- DSP Rita Momah
- DSP Kasali Safurani
- DSP Augustina Okpeahior
- DSP Benson Emuerhi
- ASP Udoh Patrick
- ASP Ezegbunem Stanley
- ASP Salawu Araga
- ASP Adefarati Ikudaisi
- ASP Ibrahim Imoyaseh
- ASP Digwu Felix Philip
- ASP Samuel Temidoro
- ASP Omoge Rotimi
- ASP Agbede Martins
The two deceased officers were remembered alongside their colleagues as part of the wider group whose decades of service and sacrifice formed the legacy celebrated at the occasion.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of SCID Panti, DCP Dayo Akinbisehin, described the retirement reception as a significant milestone for the Lagos State Police Command and the investigative department.
He noted that the 24 officers had collectively served for decades in an environment where police personnel were regularly confronted with complex investigations, high-profile criminal cases and challenging operational assignments.
According to him, SCID Panti occupies a critical position within the Lagos State Police Command, particularly in the investigation of complex and sensitive criminal cases.
Akinbisehin said the retiring officers had worked under demanding conditions and, on many occasions, placed their personal safety at risk while investigating crimes and ensuring that suspects were brought to justice.
He described the occasion as an opportunity not only to celebrate their achievements but also to acknowledge the sacrifices that made those achievements possible.
The DCP also paid tribute to the families of the retired officers, describing them as silent partners whose sacrifices often went unrecognised.
He acknowledged the long nights, missed family occasions and other personal sacrifices endured by spouses and children while their loved ones carried out police assignments.
Akinbisehin urged the retired officers not to sever their relationship with the Nigeria Police Force after retirement.
He encouraged them to remain available to share their professional experience and wisdom with younger officers, stressing that retirement from active duty should not erase the bond they have with the institution.
He assured them that SCID Panti and the Nigeria Police Force would continue to regard them as members of the police family.
Some of the retired officers also used the occasion to reflect on their experiences and offer advice on the future of policing in Nigeria.
Retired DSP Benson Emuerhi described policing as a service to humanity and called for sustained improvement in the welfare and remuneration of serving officers.
He noted that police duties frequently require officers to work around the clock and under considerable pressure, arguing that improved welfare would boost morale, effectiveness and commitment among serving personnel.
Another retiree, ASP Udoh Patrick, emphasised the need for serving officers to build stronger relationships with members of the public.
He advised officers to demonstrate humility, honesty, moderation and respect in their dealings with citizens, warning against approaches that could create unnecessary hostility between the police and the communities they serve.
Patrick also stressed the importance of integrity and accountability in the handling of exhibits and recovered property, noting that public confidence remains essential to effective policing.
Retired DSP Rita Momah described her retirement as a welcome opportunity to rest after approximately 35 years of service.
She reflected on her experiences during her career in Lagos, noting that her years in the Force exposed her to different situations and provided opportunities to contribute to society.
The ceremony was attended by senior police officers, serving and retired personnel, relatives, friends, well-wishers and other stakeholders.
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Fatai Tijani, was represented at the ceremony, while the Oba of Lagos, HRM Alaiyeluwa Oba Rilwan Osuolale Aremu Akiolu, was represented by his White Cap Chiefs.
DCP Akinbisehin expressed appreciation to the IGP for his leadership and recognition of the retired officers, while also thanking CP Fatai Tijani for approving the ceremony.
He also acknowledged the Oba of Lagos, traditional representatives, corporate organisations and other well-wishers who joined the police community in celebrating the retired officers.
For the 24 officers, the ceremony marked the conclusion of 35 years of active service. For the Nigeria Police Force, however, their retirement represents the passing of accumulated experience and institutional knowledge from one generation of officers to another.
The celebration was therefore not merely a farewell, but a tribute to a generation of police officers whose careers were built on professionalism, integrity, sacrifice and service to humanity.
