Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has awarded N151.2 million in cash rewards to 30 security officers promoted within the Government House in Makurdi. The beneficiaries include 26 male officers, each receiving N5 million, and four female officers, each awarded N5.3 million.
The governor announced the rewards shortly after decorating the officers at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House. In a statement issued by his Principal Special Assistant on Print Media, Donald Kumun, Alia described the gesture as a reflection of his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness, and the recognition of excellence in the state’s security sector.
Alia emphasized that rewarding officers at the point of promotion is intended to inspire greater discipline, professionalism, and dedication to protecting lives and property. He urged the beneficiaries to uphold high standards of conduct and performance in their new ranks and assured security agencies of continued collaboration and welfare-focused policies.
The governor also called on the families of the officers to continue providing moral and emotional support, noting that such encouragement is vital to the effectiveness of personnel on duty.
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 (NSCDC) was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Corps I (ASC I), while two others advanced to Corps Assistant I (CA I). Additionally, three officers of the State Fire Service were confirmed as Assistant Superintendent of Fire I (ASF I), one was promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Fire II (ASF II), and one Federal Road Safety Corps officer rose to Road Marshal Assistant I (RMA I).
This latest disbursement brings the total amount awarded to security personnel under Alia’s administration to N316.2 million. Earlier, the governor had rewarded 33 Government House security officers with N5 million each.
According to Kumun, this marks an unprecedented level of financial recognition for security operatives in the state since the return of democracy in 1999. The gesture not only boosts morale but also sets a new benchmark for appreciation and support of security personnel in Benue State.
