The State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) of the Lagos State Police Command on Friday celebrated 15 senior officers who formally retired after 35 years of service in the Nigeria Police.
At the SCID retirement ceremony in Panti, Lagos, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of the department, Mr Dayo Akinbisehin, noted that not all police recruits complete their service, as some die, are dismissed or leave early.
“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.
“They have served this nation for 35 years and retired successfully. That alone is worth celebrating,” Akinbisehin said.
The DCP said that although the officers had retired from active duty, they were not tired, describing them as vibrant and full of experience that the department still values.
“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 commended the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, who approved the deployment of the Police Band to honour the retirees.
One of the retirees, SP Julius Ohimai, traced the historical roots of the Nigeria Police, noting that the institution had 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.
The Deputy Commissioner of Police, State Criminal Investigation Department, Mr Dayo Akinbisehin, speaking during the retirement ceremony on Friday at the department premises
Ohimai said that effective policing required stable governance, sound laws and adequate funding.
According to him, good policing is expensive and 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.
Also speaking, retired CSP Julius Odion described his career as both challenging and fulfilling.
He recounted deployments to Nigeria’s Northeast as a Police Mobile Force (PMF) commander, noting the personal sacrifices involved, particularly time spent away from family.
“It is a service to humanity; no one can pay you enough. Be proud that you are serving humanity and serving God,” he said.
He urged younger officers to remain dedicated in spite of difficulties, stressing that wearing the national uniform was a privilege.
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 said.
Also speaking, the retired former Officer-in-Charge of the Legal Unit, Lagos State Command, CSP Charles Akinrosoye, highlighted the importance of integrity and legal knowledge in policing.
Akinrosoye said professionalism in courtroom proceedings and investigations underscores the need for officers to understand the law before charging suspects.
He urged officers to maintain integrity and pursue continuous learning. “Whatever you don’t have, you cannot give. Knowledge is power.”
Similarly, retired DSP James Akintoye expressed gratitude for surviving the dangers of active service.
“I give glory to Almighty God for saving my life to serve for 35 years and retire successfully,” he said.
Akintoye recalled surviving several operations, including encounters with armed robbers and coordinated attacks.
He advised serving and incoming officers to remain focused and avoid corruption.
“Put God first and do your duty diligently. Do not go after money,” he said.
