Abraham Abubakar
Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Betty Enekpen Otimenyin has formally assumed duty as head of Zone 8 Command, headquarters in Lokoja, Kogi State.
Her recent posting forms part of a major redeployment exercise directed by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The ceremony held at the zonal headquarters, attracted senior police officers, government officials, traditional rulers, and stakeholders. AIG Otimenyin takes over following the redeployment of her predecessor.
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In her address, the new zonal commander thanked IGP Disu for the opportunity. “I am honoured to serve in this strategic command,” she said. “Zone 8 sits at the heart of Nigeria. We will ensure peace and create a conducive environment for development in Kogi as well as Kwara State and environs”
AIG Betty Enekpen Otimenyin is a distinguished officer with decades of meritorious service. She previously served as one of the pioneering female Commissioners of Police and has broken several barriers as a female AIG. Her experience spans operations, administration, and crime management across various zones. She is widely respected for her professionalism, discipline, and community-focused leadership.
Her appointment aligns with ongoing efforts by the Police Service Commission and the IGP to strengthen key commands through strategic postings.
AIG Otimenyin immediately outlined her vision for Zone 8 , highlighting plans to strengthen intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, and cultism, particularly along major highways and riverine communities.
Others include: Community policing with emphasis on building stronger partnerships with traditional rulers, youth groups, women associations, and local vigilantes. “Security is a collective responsibility,” she noted.
“Personnel welfare and training focused on officers’ welfare, regular training, and equipping the workforce with modern tools, building on recent successes in constable training programmes.
Tackling specific crimes by intensified efforts against human trafficking, smuggling, and other trans-border crimes, leveraging Lokoja’s strategic location at the Niger-Benue confluence.
Human rights compliance in all operations will strictly observed by human rights while upholding discipline and integrity ” she further added.
Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo welcomed the new AIG and pledged State Government’s support through the Kogi State Security Trust Fund.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Nasiru Bello Kankarfe, described her as a “tested leader” whose tenure will enhance command performance.
Traditional leaders from Ebira, Igala, and Okun ethnic nationalities promised full cooperation. Stakeholders see her appointment as timely for addressing security challenges alongside infrastructure development in the state.
AIG Otimenyin’s elevation is hailed as an inspiration for female officers and young girls. Tributes have poured in, recognising her as a role model of excellence and dedication.
Security analysts expect her leadership to introduce innovative strategies to longstanding issues such as farmer-herder conflicts and urban crime in Lokoja. Her tenure is viewed as an opportunity to set benchmarks for effective and inclusive policing in the North-Central region.
The Nigeria Police Force urged residents to support the new leadership by providing credible information through official channels. Emergency hotlines remain active.
As AIG Betty Enekpen Otimenyin begins her assignment in Lokoja, expectations are high for improved security and stronger police-community relations. Her leadership is seen as a positive step in the continued reformation of the Nigeria Police Force.
