The Cross River State Police Command has celebrated the career advancement of several of its personnel in a formal decoration ceremony. The event, which took place at the Command Headquarters in Calabar, saw State Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua, pinning new ranks on officers recently elevated by the Police Service Commission.
A Recognition of Dedication and Service
The promotions were approved following recommendations from the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun. They serve as a formal recognition of the officers' dedication, professionalism, and meritorious service to the Nigeria Police Force. This event follows a similar national ceremony held on 23rd December 2025 at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where the IGP decorated other senior officers, including the former Deputy Commissioner of Police Administration in Cross River, who was elevated to substantive Commissioner of Police.
Details of the Promotions
The ceremony in Calabar, held on Wednesday, marked the elevation of seven officers within the state command. The breakdown of the promotions is as follows:
- Two Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) were promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP).
- Four Superintendents of Police (SPs) rose to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP).
- One Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was elevated to Superintendent of Police (SP).
Charge to the Officers and Command's Assurance
Addressing the newly decorated officers, CP Afegbua charged them to view their elevation as a call to higher responsibility. He emphasized the need for them to continue upholding the core values of professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights in all their duties.
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, CSP Usani Arikpo expressed profound gratitude. He thanked the IGP, the Police Service Commission, and the Cross River State Police Command management for the confidence reposed in them. Arikpo assured the command that the promoted officers would work diligently to justify the trust placed in them.
The ceremony was witnessed by the command's management team, who described the event as a significant morale booster expected to inspire improved service delivery across the board. The Command used the opportunity to reassure the residents of Cross River State of its unwavering commitment to effective policing and the sustained maintenance of peace and security throughout the state.
