Benue: Alia Rewards 30 Newly Promoted Security Officers With N151.2m

Benue State governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has rewarded the thirty newly- promoted security officers serving at the Government House, Makurdi, with N151.2 million.

According to the governor, each of the 26 male officers received N5 million, while the four female officers were awarded N5.3 million each, a gesture he said underscored his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and encouragement of excellence within the security architecture.

Governor Alia announced the surprise reward shortly after decorating the officers at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi during which he noted that his administration holds the services of security personnel in the highest regard, both within the state and across the nation.

Principal Special Assistant to the Governor on Print Media, Donald Kumun in a statement said, “This rare and first-of-its-kind gesture is in recognition of their dedication and exemplary service to the state.”

The governor emphasised that deliberate attention was given to officers at the point of their promotion to motivate them towards greater diligence, professionalism, and total commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

Governor Alia urged the beneficiaries to justify the confidence reposed in them by matching their new ranks with commendable conduct and performance.

Reaffirming his administration’s support, Governor Alia assured all security agencies operating in the state of sustained collaboration and welfare-driven policies.

He also appealed to the families of the officers to continue providing the necessary emotional and moral support, noting that their sacrifices remain vital to the effectiveness of personnel while on duty.

The media aide said, “A breakdown of the promotions shows that 22 Police officers were elevated from the rank of Inspector to Assistant Superintendent of Police. One officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Corps I (ASC I), while two others advanced to Corps Assistant I (CA I).

“Similarly, three officers of the State Fire Service were confirmed as Assistant Superintendent of Fire I (ASF I), one officer rose to Assistant Superintendent of Fire II (ASF II), and one officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps was promoted to Road Marshal Assistant I (RMA I).”

Governor Alia had earlier rewarded 33 officers serving at Government House with N5 million each.

“This brings the total sum disbursed to security personnel under his administration to N316.2 million—an unprecedented show of appreciation.

“This remarkable gesture not only boosts morale but also sets a new benchmark, as no administration in the state since the return of democracy in 1999 has demonstrated such consistent and substantial financial recognition for security operatives,” Kumun added.