Adamawa Police CP Honours 24 Officers, 21 Stakeholders for Service

The Officers’ Mess in Yola became a venue of celebration on Friday as the Commissioner of Police, Adamawa State Police Command, recognized dozens of officers and community partners whose efforts have shaped security outcomes across the state over the past year.

Twenty-four officers walked away with awards spanning categories from bravery and professionalism to innovation and community engagement, while twenty-one stakeholders received recognition for their partnership in promoting safety throughout Adamawa.

The Adamawa Police awards ceremony highlighted achievements that read like a security scorecard: successful rescue operations for kidnap victims, dismantling of criminal syndicates, recovery of illegal weapons and stolen vehicles, and intelligence-led arrests that took high-profile criminals off the streets.

But the honors weren’t just about dramatic interventions. The Command also celebrated officers who prevented jungle justice incidents, promoted human rights awareness, introduced digital innovations in administrative processes, and strengthened the community policing structures that have become increasingly important in Nigeria’s security landscape.

ACP Shuaibu Musa Wara received the Exceptional Service Award, the ceremony’s top recognition, while ACP Ibrahim Mohammed earned the Community Friendly Officer of the Year title for his work bridging the gap between police and civilians. ACP Amshi Kazabu took home the Resourceful Officer Award for demonstrating initiative that stretched limited resources further than many thought possible.

Among senior officers, CSP Abdul Rasheed Ahmed of the Counter Terrorism Unit emerged as Outstanding Commander of the Year. His unit’s work in preventing and responding to security threats earned praise from colleagues who described his leadership style as both tactical and humane.

CSP Ibrahim Oyetunde was named Best Divisional Police Officer of the Year, a recognition that carries particular weight given how Divisional Police Officers serve as the face of law enforcement in their communities. CSP Yahaya Nuhu received the Gallant Officer of the Year Award for actions that sources described as going beyond the call of duty during critical operations.

The emergency response category went to CSP Ayuba Wadai, whose quick thinking during crisis situations saved lives throughout the year. CSP Robert Gowankeke earned the Integrity Officer of the Year Award, a title that acknowledges the character challenges police officers face in a system where corruption remains a persistent concern.

SP Hussaini Tijjani Dibal’s Anti-Kidnapping Champion Award reflected work in an area that has plagued communities across the Northeast. Kidnapping for ransom continues to disrupt lives and economic activity in Adamawa and neighboring states, making officers who specialize in combating the crime particularly valuable.

SP Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, who holds the Associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations designation, received the Public Relations Excellence Award. His recognition points to the growing importance police commands place on communication and media engagement as tools for building public trust.

Other officers honored included SP Tanimu Audi Tobacco for dedication, SP Adamu Usman Daura for responsiveness, and ASP Ahmed Idris Wadata for resource management. ASP Stephen Yohanna was named Best Detective of the Year, while ASP Mohammed Sule Ndrimbitah took the Best Operative award.

The ceremony also recognized junior officers whose daily work often goes unnoticed. Inspectors Gambo Ibrahim and Hashimu Adamu received awards as Hardworking Officer and Hardworking Operative respectively, while Inspector Iliyasu Adamu Ardo and PC Ijapari Daku earned Best Dressed Officer awards for male and female categories.

Inspector Saidu Birma’s recognition as Best ICT Officer highlighted the Command’s investment in technology and digital systems. Inspector Paul Mamud received the Most Dedicated Officer Award, and STW Yusuf Dauda was honored as Traffic Warden of the Year for work that keeps Yola’s increasingly congested roads moving.

Beyond internal recognition, the Adamawa Police awards ceremony made clear that effective security depends on partnerships that extend beyond the force itself. Twenty-one stakeholders received honors for their contributions to safety across the state.

Chief Caleb Andrew, Zonal Manager of Zenith Bank, led the stakeholder list. According to The Gazette News (Nigeria), his collaboration with the Command has been particularly instrumental in supporting operational and community policing initiatives through financial sector partnerships.

Executive Chairmen of Ganye, Mayo Belwa and Lamurde Local Government Areas were recognized for their coordination with police in their jurisdictions. Local government chairmen control resources and influence that can either support or hinder security operations, making their active partnership significant.

Chairmen and commanders of Hunters Groups also received recognition. These traditional security outfits have become increasingly important in areas where formal police presence remains thin, though their relationship with official law enforcement hasn’t always been smooth.

Suleiman Umar Alkali, who represents Yola North in the Adamawa State House of Assembly, was honored for advancing security initiatives within his constituency. Legislative support for police operations, particularly through budget allocations and policy advocacy, can determine whether good intentions translate into effective action.

Media organizations and individual journalists also found themselves on the honor roll. The Nigerian Television Authority, Nas FM, Jonathan Filibus, and Ojoma Yusuf received recognition for what organizers called responsible reportage that strengthened public confidence in policing activities.

The inclusion of media practitioners in the Adamawa Police awards ceremony reflects a strategic understanding that public perception shapes police effectiveness. Communities that trust their police are more likely to share information, cooperate with investigations, and support security initiatives.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police emphasized that the awards weren’t just ceremonial gestures but signals about what the Command values. He stressed that merit and excellence would remain central to operations, a statement aimed at both motivating honorees and setting expectations for other officers.

The event concluded with the Command reaffirming its commitment to sustained collaboration with communities and stakeholders, recognizing that the security challenges facing Adamawa State require partnerships that go beyond traditional law enforcement approaches.

For the Adamawa State police officers who received recognition, the awards represent validation of work that often unfolds away from public view. For stakeholders honored alongside them, the ceremony acknowledged that building safer communities remains a shared responsibility that no single institution can shoulder alone.