Delta Police Mark Year-End with Promotion Ceremony, Farewell for Newly Promoted AIG Abaniwonda

By Diafa Doubra, Warri 

The Delta State Police Command on Monday, December 30, 2025, held a colourful end-of-year celebration that combined the decoration of newly promoted officers with a send-forth ceremony in honour of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Olufemi Abaniwonda, following his elevation from Commissioner of Police to the rank of AIG. The event took place at the Officers’ Mess, Police Headquarters, Asaba, and drew a large gathering of government officials, security chiefs, community and religious leaders, as well as officers and families of the Command.

The ceremony was organised to celebrate both institutional achievements recorded during the year and the distinguished service of AIG Abaniwonda, who served as the 22nd Commissioner of Police in Delta State. It also provided an avenue to formally decorate officers recently promoted to higher ranks in recognition of their dedication and service to the Nigeria Police Force.

Representing the Executive Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, delivered a goodwill message on behalf of the Governor. He commended AIG Abaniwonda for his professionalism, effective leadership, and strong collaboration with the state government, sister security agencies, and other stakeholders. Dr. Emu noted that the synergy between the Police Command and the state government significantly contributed to improved security and stability across Delta State.

A major highlight of the event was the decoration of officers promoted from the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) to Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP). Those decorated included Ukoba Stephen, Divisional Crime Officer, Sapele Division; Akawe Ogorchukwu, Divisional Police Officer, Abavo Division; and Aguba Onen, Divisional Police Officer, Galilee Division. The promotions were described as well-deserved, reflecting the officers’ commitment to duty and operational excellence.

The ceremony was attended by several high-ranking dignitaries, including the Brigade Commander of the 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army; the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Delta State Command; the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Delta State; and the Delta State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), who was represented by the Deputy Commander of Narcotics (Operations). Also present were the Deputy Commissioners of Police in charge of Administration and Operations, the Controller of Corrections of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Delta State Command, represented, as well as the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Other notable attendees included delegates of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), the Chairman and members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Delta State Chapter, honorary members of the Police Officers’ Mess, Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, senior officers of the Command, and other invited guests.

During the programme, speakers paid glowing tributes to AIG Abaniwonda, describing him as a people-oriented leader whose firm operational oversight, commitment to professionalism, and sustained engagement with communities and sister security agencies strengthened security coordination and boosted public confidence in policing across the state.

In his remarks, AIG Abaniwonda expressed deep appreciation to the Delta State Government and the people of the state, as well as to sister security agencies and officers and men of the Command, for their support throughout his tenure. He urged personnel to remain disciplined, professional, and dedicated to duty, while sustaining the collaborative approach to policing that has enhanced peace and security in the state.

The event concluded with a group photograph session and informal interactions among guests, marking a memorable end to the year and a dignified send-forth for a senior officer whose leadership and impact continue to resonate within the Delta State Police Command.