EMOTIONAL FAREWELL AS NIGERIA POLICE ACADEMY BIDS FAREWELL TO COMMANDANT AIG PATRICK A. ATAYERO AT 60.
Retiring Police Chief Celebrated with Grand Pulling-Out Parade, Honoured for Transforming Nigeria Police Academy.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline Northern Bureau Chief
July 28, 2026.
WUDIL, Kano State – The Nigeria Police Academy (POLAC), Wudil, witnessed one of the most memorable moments in its history as officers, cadets, government officials, traditional rulers, members of the academic community, family, friends, and well-wishers gathered to bid an emotional farewell to its 24th Commandant, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Patrick A. Atayero, MSc (UK), MBA (USA), psc, mspsp, during a colourful Pulling-Out Parade held in his honour.
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The ceremony, which coincided with the Commandant’s 60th birthday and statutory retirement from the Nigeria Police Force, was marked by deep emotions, glowing tributes, and heartfelt appreciation for a distinguished police career that spanned decades of dedicated service to Nigeria.
The Academy’s parade ground came alive with colourful displays as smartly dressed cadets performed an impressive ceremonial parade, demonstrating exceptional discipline, precision, and professionalism. Their performance drew sustained applause from an audience that included senior police officers, military commanders, government functionaries, traditional rulers, members of the diplomatic and academic communities, and other distinguished guests.
The event was more than a retirement ceremony; it was a celebration of visionary leadership and institutional transformation. During his tenure as Commandant, AIG Atayero was widely credited with strengthening academic standards, enhancing professional police training, improving infrastructure, promoting discipline, and deepening the Academy’s reputation as Nigeria’s premier institution for producing future police leaders.
Representing the Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, was the Special Adviser on Community Policing, Hajiya Ambassador (Dr.) Barr. Maimuna Umar Sheriff, whose presence underscored the cordial relationship between the Kano State Government and the Nigeria Police Academy.
In a moving valedictory address, AIG Atayero expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for granting him the privilege of serving the nation and successfully completing his career in the Nigeria Police Force.
“My heart is full of gratitude for what has been an incredible, deeply rewarding journey of leadership, duty, and service to our great country,” he said.
He paid glowing tribute to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership and ongoing reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing it as an honour to have served under his administration.
The retiring Commandant also thanked the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, for his confidence, mentorship, and unwavering support throughout his tenure.
He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, CON, fcna, fcpa, fimcn; the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), mni, NPM; members of the National Assembly Committees on Police Affairs; the Force Management Team; and other critical stakeholders whose support strengthened the Academy’s operations.
AIG Atayero equally appreciated the Executive Chairmen of Wudil, Warawa, and Dawakin Kudu Local Government Areas for maintaining cordial relationships with the Academy and ensuring peaceful coexistence with host communities.
He also recognized the support of religious leaders, particularly Pastor Salem Maigari of the Living Faith Church, traditional rulers for their fatherly guidance, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), the Ijesha Progressive Union, his course mates, and members of the Academy’s Academic Senate and professional staff.
Perhaps the most touching part of his speech was his tribute to his family.
“To my beloved family, thank you for being my rock, my anchor, and my greatest source of strength. Through every relocation, every long hour, and every sacrifice demanded by this uniform, your unconditional love, prayers, and patience kept me standing. This milestone is as much yours as it is mine,” he said.
He concluded with prayers for Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Nigeria Police Academy, expressing confidence that the institutions would continue to flourish and produce generations of competent police leaders committed to national peace and security.
The climax of the ceremony was the traditional Pulling-Out Parade, one of the Nigeria Police Force’s most cherished retirement customs. Amid cheers, applause, and emotional farewells, the retired AIG, dressed in full ceremonial uniform, was escorted into a decorated vehicle and ceremonially pulled through the Academy gates by senior police officers, symbolizing the successful completion of an honourable career in service to the nation.
The colourful spectacle attracted admiration from guests and cadets alike, many of whom described the retiring Commandant as a disciplined officer, visionary administrator, and compassionate leader whose legacy would remain deeply rooted in the history of the Nigeria Police Academy.
As AIG Patrick A. Atayero begins a new chapter outside active service, colleagues and admirers believe his remarkable contributions to police education, institutional development, leadership, and nation-building will continue to inspire generations of officers who pass through the gates of the Nigeria Police Academy.
The ceremony served not only as a farewell to an accomplished police officer but also as a celebration of excellence, selfless service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of the Nigeria Police Force.
Source: Press Release by DSP Umar Musa Isah, Police Public Relations Officer, for the Commandant, Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER 28TH JULY)
