By: Abdullahi Inuwa
The transformation drive within the Nigeria Police Force received a major continental endorsement on Thursday as the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and its Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, swept top honours at the 19th Security Watch Africa Conference and Awards in Banjul,
The Gambia. In a significant boost to the Force’s growing reputation across Africa, the Nigeria Police Force was named Most Outstanding National Police in Africa (2025), while the Akwa Ibom State Police Command emerged as Nigeria’s Most Proactive State Police Command. CP Azare also clinched the coveted Best Commissioner of Police in Crime Busting in West and Central Africa award.
Rather than claiming personal glory, the police commissioner dedicated the accolades to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, and officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, describing the honours as a reward for collective commitment to security and public safety.
The continental gathering brought together security chiefs, policymakers, diplomats and law enforcement experts from across Africa to deliberate on emerging security threats, policing innovations and strategies for strengthening peace on the continent.
Representing the Inspector-General of Police, CP Azare delivered a keynote presentation titled “Engaging Global Best Practices in Policing Internal Security: The Nigeria Police Force Example,” where he showcased the sweeping reforms introduced under IGP Disu’s leadership.
He highlighted the Force’s renewed focus on intelligence-led policing, technology-driven crime fighting, inter-agency collaboration, capacity building and community policing, noting that the reforms have significantly strengthened operational effectiveness and public confidence.
Receiving the continental awards on behalf of the Nigeria Police Force, CP Azare said the recognition validates the strategic reforms championed by the Inspector-General, adding that the Force has continued to evolve into a more professional, responsive and service-oriented institution.
He also commended Governor Umo Eno for providing unwavering support to security agencies through investments in security infrastructure and initiatives that have enhanced policing operations and improved collaboration among security stakeholders in Akwa Ibom State.
According to the commissioner, the awards equally belong to officers and men of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and the Nigeria Police Force, whose resilience, discipline and sacrifices have continued to keep communities safe despite increasingly complex security challenges.
CP Azare thanked the organisers of the Security Watch Africa Conference for recognising the achievements of the Nigeria Police Force, describing the honours as fresh motivation to sustain professionalism, innovation and excellence in law enforcement.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing, proactive crime prevention, stronger community engagement and respect for the rule of law, assuring residents that the Command would continue to protect lives and property while maintaining peace and security across Akwa Ibom State.
The awards mark another milestone for the Nigeria Police Force, underscoring the growing continental recognition of its ongoing reforms and the operational successes recorded by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.
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