Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has honoured five outgoing security commanders for their meritorious service to the state, commending their sacrifices, professionalism and contributions to the prevailing peace and security across Abia.

The commanders were honoured on Wednesday, August 19, at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia during a send-off ceremony organised by the state government to mark their transfer to new national assignments.

The honourees are AIG Danladi Isa, immediate past Commissioner of Police, Abia State; Brigadier General H.M. Bello, outgoing Commander, 14 Brigade, Ohafia; Ibrahim Sarki, immediate past State Director of the Department of State Services; Akintola Aderemi, immediate past State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; and Chigbu Odoemelam, outgoing Commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.

As part of the recognition, each of the outgoing commanders received a brand-new SUV and additional gifts approved by the governor.

Speaking at the ceremony, Otti, who described himself as the Chief Security Officer of the state, acknowledged the demanding nature of security work and the sacrifices made by personnel to keep residents safe.

“Sometimes, some people may not understand, particularly if you are not in the security cycle. It’s one of the most difficult jobs. A lot of you don’t sleep, so that the rest of us can sleep,” the governor said.

He expressed appreciation to the commanders for their dedication, cooperation and discipline, noting that their efforts had contributed significantly to the peace and security recorded across the state.

“So, I relied on all of you, and because we take it very seriously, and because we also have God on our side, the results have been very impressive,” Otti said.

Otti Reaffirms Non-Interference in Security Operations

The governor also reiterated his administration’s policy of allowing security agencies to discharge their lawful responsibilities without political interference.

He explained that the government regularly reviews the state’s security situation through monthly State Security Council meetings, where security reports are assessed, strategies reviewed and new deployments planned.

Otti said his administration would not interfere with lawful police or security operations, including attempts by individuals to use political influence to secure the release of suspected criminals.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the rule of law and urged residents and security personnel operating within the law to remain confident in the administration’s support.

SSG Commends Outgoing Commanders

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Emmanuel Meribole, also commended the outgoing commanders for their professionalism, teamwork and dedication to duty.

Meribole said their contributions had played a significant role in creating the peaceful and secure environment currently enjoyed across Abia.

The outgoing commanders, in their separate remarks, expressed appreciation to Governor Otti for the recognition and support they received throughout their service in the state.

Brigadier General Bello and AIG Danladi Isa thanked the governor for the honour, while Sarki, Aderemi and Odoemelam acknowledged the administration’s logistical and institutional support, which they said enabled them to effectively discharge their responsibilities.

They also commended Otti for allowing security agencies to operate without interference and described Abia as fortunate to have a supportive and compassionate governor.

The commanders pledged to remain good ambassadors of Abia in their new assignments.

The ceremony provided an opportunity to bid farewell to the outgoing security chiefs while highlighting the Otti administration’s approach to security, which emphasises institutional support, regular security reviews and non-interference in lawful security operations.