Ogun State Police Command has honoured 39 serving and retired officers for distinguished service, in a move aimed at reinforcing professionalism, dedication and commitment within the Force.
The officers, comprising five retirees and 34 serving personnel, received the Commissioner of Police’s Commendations and Awards at a ceremony held on Monday, September 28, 2026, at the Police Officers’ Mess, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, said the recognition was intended not only to appreciate meritorious service but also to encourage serving personnel to maintain high standards of professionalism and excellence.
He described policing as an arduous national responsibility requiring sacrifice, resilience and an unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property.
Ojajuni said decades of dedicated service, particularly 35 years in the Police Force, represented a significant contribution to national service and deserved recognition.
He explained that the decision to honour the retirees locally followed the recognition of deserving personnel by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, at Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Among those recognised was DST Anifa Bello (Rtd.), a traffic officer who served meritoriously in Ogun State.
The CP said the Command considered it important to replicate the gesture and recognise other personnel whose service had contributed to policing in the state.
He said honouring retired officers was also important for preserving institutional memory and strengthening the relationship between serving and retired personnel.
The five retired officers honoured were CSP Salami Akanbi Moruf, former Commander, SWAT; DSP Olaifa Emmanuel, former 2IC, SWAT; DSP Ayanlola Olatunji, former Officer-in-Charge, SIT-REP; DST Saanu John; and DST Anifa Bello.
Among the 34 serving officers recognised were SP Shittu Bamidele, Officer-in-Charge, Anti-Kidnapping Unit; SP Gbenga Ayodele, Officer-in-Charge, Anti-Robbery Unit; DSP Sheriff Balogun, 2IC, SWAT; ASP Adetutu Adesida, 2IC, Anti-Kidnapping Unit; ASP Ojikutu Akinola, Admin Officer, Anti-Kidnapping Unit; ASP Olupona Helen; ASP Jimoh Lasisi; Insp. Balogun Samuel; Insp. Adelaja Oluwatosin; Insp. Ojogo Ogundeji; Sgt. Muhammed Rukayat; Cpl. Adenuga Rasaki; and Cpl. Adeyanju Elijah, alongside other personnel.
In his goodwill message, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Gbenga Adeoye, commended the retired officers, particularly CSP Salami Akanbi Moruf, DSP Olaifa Emmanuel and DSP Ayanlola Olatunji, for their diligence, professionalism and meritorious service.
The Divisional Police Officers of Ibara and Aregbe, CSP Lateef Balogun and CSP Rasak Adeoye, also highlighted the careers of DST Anifa Bello and DST Saanu John, who enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on September 1, 1991, and August 1, 1991, respectively.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, CSP Salami Akanbi Moruf thanked the Command for recognising their service and pledged the continued support of retired personnel to the Force and the nation.
Representing the serving awardees, SP Shittu Bamidele thanked the Commissioner and pledged their continued commitment to professional, responsive and people-oriented policing.
The ceremony brought together serving and retired officers, families, colleagues and other guests and reinforced the Command’s emphasis on recognising merit, preserving institutional experience and motivating personnel to maintain professional standards.