The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos on Friday honoured 15 senior officers who formally retired after 35 years of meritorious service, marking what officials described as a rare achievement in a demanding profession.
At a colourful ceremony held at the SCID headquarters in Panti, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the department, Mr Dayo Akinbisehin, said not all police recruits who begin the journey complete the full term of service.
“The 15 retired officers being honoured were not the only ones who started the journey 35 years ago, but they are among the few who completed it meritoriously and without blemish,” Akinbisehin said. “They have served this nation for 35 years and retired successfully. That alone is worth celebrating.”
He noted that although the officers had retired from active duty, they remained vibrant and possessed invaluable experience that the department still required.
“The doors of this department remain open to you. We need your support, your encouragement and your wealth of experience,” he told the retirees.
Akinbisehin also commended the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, for approving the deployment of the Police Band to honour the retirees, describing the gesture as a show of appreciation for long and dedicated service.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Superintendent of Police (SP) Julius Ohimai traced the historical roots of the Nigeria Police, noting that the institution has evolved alongside Nigeria’s political and economic development.
“The police are like the shadow of Nigeria. If there is anything wrong with policing, it reflects the state of our society,” he said.
Ohimai stressed that effective policing requires stable governance, sound laws and adequate funding, adding that quality policing is capital-intensive.
“Good policing is expensive. It demands investment in training, forensic facilities and modern equipment. There is no society where the police are perfect; building public trust and professional capacity must remain priorities,” he said.
Retired Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Julius Odion described his career as both challenging and fulfilling, recalling his deployment to Nigeria’s Northeast as a Police Mobile Force (PMF) commander.
He spoke of the personal sacrifices involved, particularly prolonged periods away from his family, but described policing as a higher calling.
“It is a service to humanity; no one can pay you enough. Be proud that you are serving humanity and serving God,” he said, urging younger officers to remain dedicated despite operational challenges.
Reflecting on his journey, Odion said the police institution shaped his identity. “There is nothing you will say about me that is complete without the Nigeria Police. I joined as a young officer, served through and came out successful,” he added.
Also speaking, retired CSP Charles Akinrosoye, former Officer-in-Charge of the Legal Unit of the Lagos State Command, underscored the importance of integrity and legal knowledge in policing.
He said professionalism in investigations and courtroom proceedings requires officers to understand the law before charging suspects, urging them to uphold integrity and pursue continuous learning.
“Whatever you don’t have, you cannot give. Knowledge is power,” Akinrosoye said.
Similarly, retired Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) James Akintoye expressed gratitude for surviving the hazards of active service.
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“I give glory to Almighty God for saving my life to serve for 35 years and retire successfully,” he said, recalling operations involving armed robbery and coordinated attacks.
Akintoye advised serving and incoming officers to remain focused and shun corruption. “Put God first and do your duty diligently. Do not go after money,” he counselled.
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