DCP Abba Kyari’s day of honour in the Green Chamber
By Abdullahi Yunusa ProfWills
L-R: Commander, IGP Intelligence Response Team (IRT) Receiving His Award From Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila
The man Abba Kyari, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) at the Police Headquarters in Abuja isn’t new to awards or recognition. He said he cannot put a definite figure to the numerous award plaques both in his office and home.
But the honour that came his way last Thursday from the House of Representatives was as humbling as it was historic. Available records show that he is the first police officer to be so honoured by the National Assembly since independence. This is without doubt an important milestone for Abba Kyari as a person and the Nigeria Police Force as a security agency.
The recognition, according to the lawmakers is in appreciation of the numerous feats Abba Kyari and his men have recorded, especially with regards to stemming the rising tide of kidnappings across different parts of the country. They felt the need to honour these men who daily keep vigil for the safety of all. Indeed, good deeds never go unrewarded. So, last Thursday was the day set aside by Federal lawmakers within the Green Chamber to appreciate the exceptional gallantry, unbridled dedication and relentless commitment of DCP Abba Kyari and his men to the fight against crime and criminality in Nigeria.
DCP Abba Kyari was the star boy on the floor of the House of Representatives as lawmakers across political divides generously poured encomiums on him and members of his team for the feats they’ve recorded since the Intelligence Response Team came on stream a little over five years ago to tame kidnappings in the country.
Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila said the honour was in recognition of the passion, professionalism, patriotism and excellence exhibited by Abba Kyari and his team in waging war against criminally-minded elements across towns, cities and villages in the country. Hon. Gbajabiamila said the honour was to spur the officers to do more for their fatherland and a reward for hardwork and patriotism.
A visibly elated Hon. Khadijah Abba Ibrahim who represents DCP Kyari in the Green chamber wants the Federal Government to bestow a national honour on DCP Abba Kyari “for leading a coordinated, sustained and strategic war against kidnappers, fraudsters and criminals in the country”. Hon. Abba Ibrahim also wants other security officers to emulate DCP Kyari’s exemplary conducts, even as she called on the leadership of the force to reward officers who excel in their duty.
Female lawmakers on the floor couldn’t hide their admiration for the young police officer whom they proudly showered praises on. The Deputy Chief Whip of the House and ranking lawmaker, Hon. Nkiruka Onyejocha prayed God to “keep, preserve and protect DCP Kyari for choosing to be exceptional and patriotic in the discharge of his assignment. I am very pleased with his achievements as a young police officer. May God bless and cause him to do more for the growth, peace and overall development of our dear country”.
The invitation extended to DCP Kyari followed a motion that was moved by the member representing Chibok Federal Constituency in Borno State, Hon. Ahmad Jaha. Hon. Jaha’s motion had noted that DCP Kyari was among the very few outstanding young officers of the Nigerian Police as Officer Cadet.
Among the feats recorded by DCP Kyari and his men include the arrest of notorious kidnap kingpin known as Evans Chukwudumeme in Lagos, capture of White Vampire in Owerri, Imo State; arrest of the killers of the former Chief of Defence Staff, Air Vice Alex Badeh.
Others are the arrest of several Boko-Haram Commanders, including bomb makers and those responsible for the kidnap of the famous Chibok girls; and the arrest of the deadly Offa Bank robbers who invaded Offa town in Kwara state and robbed five different commercial banks and murdered over 31 innocent Nigerians including a pregnant woman in 2018.
In his acceptance speech, DCP Kyari thanked the Speaker and the House members for finding him worthy of the award.
He said, “there’s no greater award than this because it is coming from the representatives of the people. I dedicate this award to those who paid the ultimate price and I give sincere gratitude to God, my boss the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, my IRT Colleagues, all members of the Nigeria Police, my family and all Nigerians,’’.
Truly, no good deeds ever go unrewarded. Congratulations to DCP Abba Kyari, his 2iC, ACP Sunny Ubua and officers and men of the IGP’s Intelligence Response Team on this rare recognition. Cheers!
