Officers Elevated to DSPs: A Symbol of Nigeria’s Policing Challenges and Hopes

By Ekemini Thompson on Thu Sep 11 2025

A Symbol of Nigeria’s Policing Challenges and Hopes: 37 Kebbi Police Officers Elevated to Deputy Superintendents

In Kebbi State, Nigeria, a quiet but important ceremony took place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Thirty-seven Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs) were formally decorated with the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) by Commissioner of Police Bello M. Sani at the State Command Headquarters.

On the surface, this looks like a routine police promotion exercise. But in a country where law enforcement is often at the center of debates about corruption, discipline, and reform, this moment deserves deeper attention.

The Ceremony and Its Message

Commissioner Sani, speaking on behalf of Inspector-General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, congratulated the officers but did not mince words. His charge was clear: remain professional, stay disciplined, reject corruption, and respect the rights of citizens.

Why does this matter? Because Nigeria’s police force has long been caught in a credibility crisis. From extortion on the highways to the legacy of the #EndSARS protests, citizens often see the badge as a symbol of power rather than service. So when officers are promoted, the concern isn’t just about their new rank—it’s about whether they will embody reform or fall into the same old traps.

The Response from the Officers

Speaking for the promotees, DSP Ahmed Abubakar expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission. More importantly, he promised loyalty and professionalism. But here’s the real test: promises in Nigerian policing have historically been easier said than kept. Citizens will watch closely to see if these words translate into practice on the streets of Kebbi and beyond.

Why Global Readers Should Care

For an international audience, this story isn’t simply “local Nigerian news.” It’s a window into the challenges of security and governance in Africa’s largest democracy. Nigeria faces terrorism in the northeast, banditry in the northwest (including Kebbi), separatist tensions in the southeast, and rising cybercrime in the cities. At the heart of every one of these crises is the role of the police.

When 37 officers are promoted, it’s not just about rank—it’s about manpower, morale, and the signal being sent across the Force. Promotions can either motivate officers to perform better or reinforce a culture of entitlement. The fact that CP Sani stressed discipline and anti-corruption at the ceremony suggests the leadership knows the stakes are high.

The Bigger Picture

Think about this: if these 37 officers use their new authority to enforce the law with fairness, professionalism, and courage, the ripple effect could strengthen public trust at a time Nigeria desperately needs it. But if they default to old habits—harassment, bribe-taking, abuse of power—then this promotion wave becomes just another revolving door of uniforms and titles.

The difference lies in accountability, and that’s where global attention matters. International partners—from the U.S. to Europe—regularly fund police training programs in Nigeria. They need to understand that every promotion is an opportunity to demand better policing standards, not just handshakes and photographs.

A Moment of Truth

So, while families celebrated in Birnin Kebbi and new ranks were pinned to uniforms, the real ceremony begins now—on the streets, in communities, at checkpoints, and in conflict zones. These officers have been handed both authority and responsibility. Whether they rise to the occasion or reinforce the status quo will help determine the future of policing in Kebbi State, and by extension, Nigeria.