Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has celebrated the immediate past Commissioner of Police in the state, Dr Ikioye Orutugu, following his retirement from active service in the Nigeria Police Force.
Orutugu, who retired at the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), was honoured at a send-forth ceremony organised by the Anambra State Government in recognition of his years of meritorious service.
The colourful event, held in Awka, was attended by his mother, wife, other family members and well-wishers, who gathered to celebrate his distinguished career.
Born on 3 August 1966 in Ilorin, Kwara State, Orutugu had a career spanning several years, with experience in law enforcement operations across Nigeria and international peacekeeping assignments.
In 2003, he was part of Nigeria’s contingent to the United Nations Mission in Kosovo, where he was recognised as the most outstanding officer in communications. He also received the United Nations Peace and Service Medal.
Throughout his career, he occupied several strategic positions, including Director of Operations and Squadron Commander of Police Mobile Force Squadron 22 in Lagos.
Between 1997 and 1998, he served as Operations Officer of the Ife-Modakeke Peacekeeping Force in Ile-Ife, Osun State. He also worked in the Diplomatic Protection Unit and supervised security operations at oil installations in the Niger Delta.
From 2008, Orutugu served as Principal Security Officer at the Bayelsa State Government House under the administration of former Governor Timipre Sylva.
Beyond his policing experience, Orutugu has an impressive academic background. He holds a first degree in Political Science from the University of Port Harcourt, a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Lagos and a doctorate in Sociology from the University of Port Harcourt.
He also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Journalism from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in 1991.
His contributions have earned him more than 30 awards and recognitions, including the 2006 Crime Writers Association of Nigeria Prize.
His retirement marks the end of a career spanning law enforcement, international peacekeeping and public service.
Although he has left active police service, Orutugu is expected to remain involved in intellectual and literary pursuits, reflecting his longstanding interests in journalism, reading and writing.
