Commander, Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS), aka TIGER BASE, Imo State Police Command, CSP Oladimeji Odeyetiwa, has won the maiden edition of the Crime Buster of the Year 2024 Award. He was decorated early this month at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
His citation revealed that Odeyetiwa recorded great success in his fight against crime in the state: “Within two year Odeyetiwa with this operatives dealt with armed robbers and kidnappers in their various hideouts. IPOB/ESN members were arrested in different local governments.
“All these were made possible with the support of the Commissioner of Police, Danjuma Aboki. The state government also gave them operational vehicle to clampdown on the hoodlums.”
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, who was at the ceremony said: “This administration will ensure that police officers are equipped with the knowledge, skills, valves and expertise required to tackle the complex challenges of modern policing.
“The Federal Government declaring April 7 as National Police Day marks a significant step towards transforming the Nigeria Police Force into a modern professional and accountable institution. The vision is to enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of the police force.
Senate President, Godwin Akpabio, tasked the IGP, Olukayode Egbetokun, to “weed out the bad eggs in the police force. The police need the support and cooperation of all stakeholders to overcome challenges and build a stronger and more effective police force.”
Egbetokun said: “The award demonstrated the meritorious but guiding principles that should shape the daily actions and decisions of police officers. Recognition will be given to officers, who diligently carry out investigation and prosecution whose efforts have brought offenders to justice and reinforced the rule of law; transforming justice from mere concept into a tangible reality for all.”
Odeyetiwa thanked Egbetokun and the police management for recognising him and his officers for fighting crimes and criminality in Imo state. He also appreciated CP Aboki for his fatherly advice: “He supported us morally and financially when carrying out our duties.”