…AS DIG KOKUMO, 11 AIGS, PULLED OUT OF SERVICE

By Okosun Dennis

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba has eulogized retired senior police officers that their invaluable assistance to the Nigeria Police Force, their wealth of experience, and exemplary leadership qualities are necessary for combating the nation’s security challenges.

He spoke at Ikeja Police College, Lagos on Wednesday during the pull-out ceremony of retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Johnson Kokumo, 11 Assistant Inspectors General of Police, and two Commissioners of Police.

Represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja, DIG Bode Adeleke, the IGP explained that the Cadet Course 1 (POLAC) apart from producing the 21st indigenous IGP, has also produced DIGs, AIGs, and several CPs with great virtuous.

Describing the pulling out event as a “historical and emotional but fulfilled event”, he added that “the pullout was significant because it is coming at a time the experience of the officers is needed for the growth and development of the nation and humanity at large.

“I’m glad to be alive to witness the colourful pulling-out parade. They are a wonderful crop of officers who have meritoriously served the nation for 35 years.

In his valedictory speech on behalf of 13 others, DIG Johnson Kokumo expressed satisfaction while, at the same time, thanked the Almighty God for his grace to have served the nation for 35 years.

Kokumo who likened the police job to that of a nomadic pastoring explained that due to the nature of the job which is “essentially nomadic in nature,” they only know the time they left home for work but have no idea when to return, stressing that their families have lived with this patterned life and got accustomed to it throughout their service years.

While congratulating his colleagues for standing firm and withering the storm, observed that some of their colleagues have since retired while some died while in service.

“After finishing tertiary institution, many didn’t have the premonition of joining the force. The journey has not been easy,” DIG Kukomo reiterated.

In a chat with our correspondent, DIG Johnson Kokumo further explained that his retirement has brought him permanently reunited with his family after staggered absence due to the demands of the job.

“I deserve a rest from a long period of service to my fatherland. I will have this moment to unite with my family because I have lived all these years moving from one place to another and most times, without being planned. I deserve a rest.”

Officers pulled out included DIG Johnson Kokumo, AIGs Issac Akinmoyede; Olatunji Akingbola; Andrew Amiengheme;  Amechi Elumelu; Ngozi V. Onadeko; Eboka Friday.

Others include AIGs Adesina M. Soyemi; Asafa Adekunle; Edward Egbuka; Olawale T. Olokode; Abutu Yaro and Commissioners of Police Adetokumbo C. Owolabi and Salem V. Amachree.

Sequel to the pullout ceremony, a colourful parade was organised in honour of the distinguished senior retiring officers as DIG Kokumo was the Reviewing Officer. The event had in attendance members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), who in this goodwill message applauded the officers for their impeccable service to the country.

It was learnt that the retired officers were admitted into the Academy on March 15, 1988, as Course 15 NPF Academy, and trained at Police College, Kano. They were 190 on admission but only 175 passed out as Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP). The course produces impeccable officers who contributed greatly to the NPF and the nation at large.

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