TheCable

The Nigeria police force has announced the promotion of 16 officers who lost their lives during the #EndSARS crisis.

Nigerians had taken to the streets in October to demonstrate against police brutality under the #EndSARS campaign.

However, the nationwide protest, which began peacefully, was hijacked by hoodlums and resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of public and private properties.

According to a statement issued on Monday, 70 other officers who were injured during the protests were promoted.

A total of 82,779 officers were promoted — 56,779 sergeants rose to the rank of inspector, 17,569 corporal to sergeants, and 8,431 constables to corporal.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A. Adamu, NPM, mni, has today, 23rd November, 2020 approved the promotion of Eighty-Two Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventy Nine (82,779) Junior Police Officers to their next ranks,” the statement read.

“The promotion of the officers comprising 56,779 Sergeants to Inspector, 17,569 Corporal to Sergeants and 8,431 Constables to Corporal is part of the ongoing efforts at boosting the morale of personnel and repositioning the Force for greater efficiency.

“Those promoted also include 86 junior officers negatively impacted by the ENDSARS riots – 16 got special posthumous promotion while 70 others injured during the violence arising from the ENDSARS protests were equally specially promoted.

“The IGP, while congratulating the officers, charged them to see their promotion as a mark of additional responsibility and a call to rededicate themselves to their professional calling.

“He enjoined them to continue to carry out their duties diligently and in conformity with best practices and respect for the rights of the citizen.

“He noted that the promotion albeit, posthumously, of the officers who were killed by some ENDSARS protesters is a symbolic gesture in recognition of the ultimate price they paid in the service of the nation.”

The statement also noted that the IGP promised to work with all relevant agencies, organs of government and stakeholders in ensuring a reform of the police.