By Rabiu Sanusi
The Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, on Monday staged a colourful and emotional Pulling-Out Parade in honour of its 24th Commandant, Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Patrick A. Atayero, who officially retired from the Nigeria Police Force upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.
The ceremony, which coincided with AIG Atayero’s 60th birthday, celebrated a distinguished policing career defined by dedication, exemplary leadership, and remarkable contributions to the advancement of police education in Nigeria.
The event attracted an array of dignitaries, including senior military and police officers, government officials, traditional rulers, academics, and well-wishers, all gathered to honour a Commandant widely credited with transforming the Nigeria Police Academy through extensive infrastructure development, improved academic standards, and strengthened discipline among cadets.
A highlight of the occasion was the impressive parade and precision drills performed by cadets, whose display of professionalism earned admiration and applause from guests.
Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, was represented by his Special Adviser on Community Policing, Hajiya Ambassador (Dr.) Barr. Maimuna Umar Sheriff.
She commended the retiring Commandant for his immense contributions to policing and security development, describing his tenure as one that significantly enhanced the academy’s reputation as Nigeria’s premier police training institution.
In his emotional valedictory address, AIG Atayero expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for granting him a successful and fulfilling career spanning several decades of service to the nation.
He described his journey in the Nigeria Police Force as deeply rewarding and thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said had positively impacted the Force.
He also paid glowing tribute to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for his confidence, mentorship, and unwavering support throughout his tenure as Commandant.
The retiring police chief further acknowledged the support of the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam; the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd); members of the National Assembly; the Force Management Team; and Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for fostering a peaceful and conducive environment for the academy.
He equally expressed appreciation to the Executive Chairmen of Wudil, Warawa, and Dawakin Kudu Local Government Areas, traditional and religious leaders, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), the Ijesha Progressive Union, his course mates, academy staff, colleagues, friends, and family for their steadfast support throughout his career.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional Pulling-Out Parade—one of the Nigeria Police Force’s most symbolic retirement rites—as senior officers ceremonially pulled the newly retired AIG through the academy gates in an official vehicle amid loud cheers, applause, and heartfelt tributes.
AIG Patrick A. Atayero’s retirement marks the end of an illustrious policing career and leaves behind a lasting legacy of professionalism, institutional development, and visionary leadership at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil.