Retirees demand better welfare as Disu honours 24 cops

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has assured retired police officers of the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), particularly in the areas of welfare and logistics.

Disu gave the assurance yesterday at a retirement ceremony organised by the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos, in honour of 24 police officers who retired after 35 years of meritorious service. The IGP expressed appreciation to the retirees for their dedication, sacrifice and commitment to the nation throughout their years in the police force.

He congratulated the officers for successfully completing 35 years of service, assuring them that retirement from active duty did not mean they had left the police family.

According to him, the Force would continue to support them even after retirement, while their contributions to policing and national security would remain appreciated.

He said: “Congratulations to all of you for successfully completing 35 years of service in the Nigeria Police Force. This is not the end of everything. We will continue to support you, even after service. We appreciate all that you did for your fatherland.”

Disu said he was proud of the achievements and contributions of the retirees to policing over the years, stressing that their experience remained valuable to the Force. He noted that the officers had made significant sacrifices in the course of protecting lives and property and maintaining law and order.

The IGP urged them to remain proud of their contributions to the Nigeria Police Force and wished them fulfilment and success as they embarked on a new chapter of their lives.

Also speaking, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of SCID, Panti, Dayo Akinbisehin, congratulated the retirees and urged them to make judicious use of their retirement.

Akinbisehin described their retirement as a significant milestone, acknowledging the sacrifices made by their wives, children and other family members throughout their careers. He said the ceremony was organised not only to appreciate the retiring officers but also to encourage serving personnel by demonstrating that their sacrifices would not go unnoticed.

“Often times, it is only the senior officers that usually enjoy elaborate pull-out parades while retiring, but we are using this event to honour these officers too. We want them to know that they are also valued and appreciated in the Force and to also encourage officers that are still serving,” he said.

The DCP described the event as a monumental milestone in the history of the Lagos State Police Command and SCID, Panti. He said the retirees represented decades of sacrifice, bravery and unwavering commitment to duty, noting that their careers involved working long hours, investigating complex cases and protecting communities under challenging circumstances. According to him, SCID, Panti, being the foremost police investigation department in Lagos, handles high-profile, complex and sensitive cases, with the retirees playing significant roles in bringing suspects to justice despite the risks associated with their duties.

Akinbisehin commended the families of the retirees for their sacrifices and support throughout the officers’ careers, describing their spouses, children and friends as the “unsung heroes” behind their successful service.

He urged the retirees not to consider themselves strangers to the police, assuring them that the NPF and SCID would always remain their home and that their experience and wisdom would continue to be valued.

He congratulated the 24 retirees and urged them to proceed into retirement with their heads held high, having served the nation with honour and contributed to the development of the department.

Akinbisehin also appreciated the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Fatai Tijani, for approving the ceremony, as well as the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, other well-wishers and corporate organisations for their support towards the success of the event.

Meanwhile, the retiring officers called for improved welfare packages and better retirement benefits for police officers in Nigeria.

They maintained that a well-motivated police force was essential to effective crime-fighting and public safety.

One of the retirees, DSP Benson Emuerhi, described policing as a demanding profession that required dedication, discipline and sacrifice.

Emuerhi noted that police officers remained on duty even during weekends, public holidays and personal emergencies, stressing that the demands of the profession required adequate welfare and remuneration.

“Police work is different. There is no Saturday or Sunday when it comes to protecting lives and property,” he said.

The retired officer expressed concern over disparities in remuneration, welfare packages and retirement benefits among security agencies, warning that poor welfare could undermine personnel morale and effectiveness.

Emuerhi said his years in the police had taught him that policing was essentially about service to humanity.

He identified welfare and remuneration as some of the major challenges confronting the police, saying improved welfare would enhance personnel effectiveness and commitment to duty.

He noted that police officers worked under demanding conditions, often round the clock, and therefore required better remuneration and welfare packages to remain motivated and effectively discharge their responsibilities.

Emuerhi also called for stronger public support for the police, saying improved welfare would help address some of the challenges affecting policing and boost public confidence in the institution.

Another retiree, DSP Rita Momah, who said she spent about 35 years in the Force, stressed the importance of continuous training and professionalism in modern policing.

Momah urged serving officers to adopt a “human face” in dealing with suspects, victims and members of the public, saying respect for human dignity should remain central to police operations.

She expressed excitement about her retirement and the opportunity to rest after decades of service.

Momah said her years in the police exposed her to various experiences and provided opportunities to learn important lessons while contributing to society.

Also speaking, ASP Udoh Patrick, who retired after 35 years of service, advised serving police officers to maintain cordial relationships with members of the public.

Patrick urged personnel to demonstrate humility, honesty, moderation and respect in their interactions with citizens while avoiding harsh treatment.

He appealed to members of the public not to see the police as enemies but as partners in maintaining peace and security.

According to him, regular interaction between the police and communities would help build trust and confidence in the Force.

Patrick further urged officers to handle exhibits and other recovered items responsibly, stressing that integrity remained essential to strengthening public confidence in the police.