Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has praised the outgoing Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, for his contributions to security in the state, describing him as “a gift to Nigeria” as he bows out of active service.

Soludo spoke during a special State Executive Council session held in Awka to honour the retiring police officer, saying the event marked the first time the Anambra State Government had organised an official farewell ceremony for a serving police chief retiring from the state.

The governor said Orutugu’s exit was solely due to his attainment of the mandatory retirement age, noting that his years of service were distinguished by dedication and professionalism.

He commended the retired officer for fostering collaboration among security agencies, saying the teamwork within the state’s security architecture contributed significantly to improvements in public safety.

Secretary to the State Government, Chiamaka Nnake, described the ceremony as a fitting recognition of Orutugu’s service, while wishing him a fulfilling retirement.

Also speaking, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tochukwu Nweke, recalled that Orutugu assumed office at a period of heightened insecurity but said sustained cooperation among security agencies and other stakeholders had helped restore stability across the state.

The Director of the Department of State Services in Anambra, Chuks Anukposi, also applauded the retired police chief for his commitment to joint security operations and his dedication to maintaining peace.

On behalf of traditional rulers, the traditional ruler of Uke, Igwe Charles Agbala, thanked Orutugu for supporting the state’s security initiatives and prayed for a successful retirement.

Responding, Orutugu expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo, the state government, security agencies, traditional rulers, journalists and residents for their support throughout his tenure.

He said although the command inherited significant security challenges when he took office, collective efforts by security agencies and community stakeholders improved public confidence and strengthened safety across the state.

The retired officer urged the state government to sustain its support for security agencies and encouraged serving police personnel to remain committed to professionalism and ethical conduct.

Addressing officers during his pulling-out parade at the Anambra State Police Command headquarters, Orutugu thanked journalists for what he described as their constructive partnership in promoting the activities and achievements of the command.

He disclosed that he was recently honoured with the Crime Fighter and Most Professional Police Officer of the Year 2026 Award by the National Association of Women and also received an award from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abuja Council.

Reflecting on his career, Orutugu advised officers to resist external influence and uphold integrity at all times, stressing that professionalism remains the greatest asset of every police officer.

He said he joined the Nigeria Police Force out of a passion for service rather than financial reward, adding that a good reputation is more valuable than material wealth, and wished Anambra State lasting peace and continued security.

Retiring Police Chief Orutugu, Says He Is ‘A Gift to Nigeria’

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has praised the outgoing Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, for his contributions to security in the state, describing him as “a gift to Nigeria” as he bows out of active service.

Soludo spoke during a special State Executive Council session held in Awka to honour the retiring police officer, saying the event marked the first time the Anambra State Government had organised an official farewell ceremony for a serving police chief retiring from the state.

The governor said Orutugu’s exit was solely due to his attainment of the mandatory retirement age, noting that his years of service were distinguished by dedication and professionalism.

He commended the retired officer for fostering collaboration among security agencies, saying the teamwork within the state’s security architecture contributed significantly to improvements in public safety.

Secretary to the State Government, Chiamaka Nnake, described the ceremony as a fitting recognition of Orutugu’s service, while wishing him a fulfilling retirement.

Also speaking, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Tochukwu Nweke, recalled that Orutugu assumed office at a period of heightened insecurity but said sustained cooperation among security agencies and other stakeholders had helped restore stability across the state.

The Director of the Department of State Services in Anambra, Chuks Anukposi, also applauded the retired police chief for his commitment to joint security operations and his dedication to maintaining peace.

On behalf of traditional rulers, the traditional ruler of Uke, Igwe Charles Agbala, thanked Orutugu for supporting the state’s security initiatives and prayed for a successful retirement.

Responding, Orutugu expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo, the state government, security agencies, traditional rulers, journalists and residents for their support throughout his tenure.

He said although the command inherited significant security challenges when he took office, collective efforts by security agencies and community stakeholders improved public confidence and strengthened safety across the state.

The retired officer urged the state government to sustain its support for security agencies and encouraged serving police personnel to remain committed to professionalism and ethical conduct.

Addressing officers during his pulling-out parade at the Anambra State Police Command headquarters, Orutugu thanked journalists for what he described as their constructive partnership in promoting the activities and achievements of the command.

He disclosed that he was recently honoured with the Crime Fighter and Most Professional Police Officer of the Year 2026 Award by the National Association of Women and also received an award from the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Abuja Council.

Reflecting on his career, Orutugu advised officers to resist external influence and uphold integrity at all times, stressing that professionalism remains the greatest asset of every police officer.

He said he joined the Nigeria Police Force out of a passion for service rather than financial reward, adding that a good reputation is more valuable than material wealth, and wished Anambra State lasting peace and continued security.