By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk
LOKOJA, Nigeria – A new chapter has begun in the Nigeria Police Force as Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Betty Isokpan Otimenyin officially assumed duty as the 34th Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Police Zone 8, becoming the first woman to lead the zone since its establishment.
Her appointment, approved by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, places her in charge of policing operations across Kogi and Kwara states, a region that has continued to face security challenges including armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, communal clashes and highway crimes.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony in Lokoja over the weekend, AIG Otimenyin sent a strong warning to criminal elements operating within the zone, urging them to abandon their illegal activities or be prepared to face decisive law enforcement action.
She reaffirmed her commitment to intelligence-led policing, enhanced patrol operations and stronger collaboration with sister security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to improve public safety and restore confidence in policing.
The new AIG also emphasized professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights, noting that effective policing depends on public trust and active community participation.
On interview with 9News Nigeria, some notable security experts have described her appointment as another significant milestone for gender inclusion within the Nigeria Police Force, highlighting the growing number of women occupying strategic leadership positions in the country’s security architecture.
Residents and stakeholders across Kogi and Kwara have expressed optimism that the new leadership will strengthen security operations, curb violent crimes and enhance peace across the zone.
With rising concerns over insecurity in parts of North-Central Nigeria, expectations remain high that the new Police Zone 8 leadership will deliver improved coordination and more effective crime-fighting strategies.
