Crime Busting, Excellent Media/Public Relations: Abuja Stands Up for AIG Moshood Jimoh as He Receives NUJ FCT’s Coveted Crime Fighter of the Year Award

By Raheem Ibrahim

The Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, was filled to capacity on Tuesday as distinguished guests, government representatives and executives from public institutions gathered to witness the presentation of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council’s prestigious Crime Fighter of the Year Award to the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Moshood Olohundare Jimoh.

The award, regarded as one of the most coveted recognitions within the nation’s security and media circles, was presented to the senior police officer by former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, during a colourful ceremony attended by top government officials, media executives, security chiefs and stakeholders from different sectors.

Other prominent personalities honoured at the event included Dele Alake, Editor-in-Chief of Leadership Newspaper, Azu Ishiekwene, and former NUJ President, Christopher Isiguzo, among several distinguished award recipients.

AIG Jimoh’s honour comes amid growing commendation for his operational leadership, strategic policing approach and longstanding contributions to public relations, intelligence-led policing and institutional reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.

Widely respected within policing and media circles, Jimoh’s career trajectory reflects over two decades of service spanning operations, investigations, public relations, administration, international peacekeeping and command responsibilities.

It would be recalled that AIG Jimoh was born on August 10, 1971, in Ilorin, the ancient city of Kwara State. He enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on May 1, 2000, after obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University.

He later attended the Police Academy, Wudil, where he underwent formal police training between 2000 and 2001.

Over the years, he has served in several strategic capacities, including FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police at the Airport Police Command, and Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration in Oyo State Command.

Jimoh also served in international peacekeeping operations under the African Union Mission in Sudan, where he earned commendations for outstanding performance and dedication to peace-building efforts in Darfur.

His professional development profile includes specialised training in South Korea, China and Nigeria, covering crime prevention, anti-hijacking tactics, leadership ethics, maritime rescue operations, SMART government systems and law enforcement management.

Before his current elevation, he served as Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police, Eastern Ports Command, Port Harcourt, before assuming office as Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, where his exemplary performance in combating crime is still widely visible.

Observers at the award ceremony described the recognition as a reflection of Jimoh’s consistency, professionalism and contributions to strengthening public confidence in policing.

The senior police officer has also received multiple commendations and awards over the years, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Presidential Award for Public Relations Personality of the Year, alongside several commendations for diligence, operational excellence and public service.

Beyond policing, Jimoh is a member and fellow of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Institute of Management Consultants, Institute of Fraud Examiners of Nigeria, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, and a prominent member of the Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), Western Zone.

Commenting on the prestigious award, Chairman of IEDPU Western Zone, Dr. Solih Imoloba Owonikoko, described AIG Jimoh as an intelligent and professional police officer who consistently deploys his experience to combat criminal activities without violating the rights of citizens.

“We are very proud of him for bringing more honour to the Ilorin Emirate. I pray that he continues his diligence, dedication and upright character in discharging his duties in the profession he loves,” Owonikoko remarked.