A dark cloud hangs over the Lagos State Police Command following the passing of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Festac Division, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Matilda Umiah Ngbaronye, a highly respected and dedicated officer known for her professionalism and integrity.
CSP Ngbaronye reportedly passed away on Friday, October 24, 2025, after undergoing surgery at Mayriamville Medical Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere, Lagos. Her death has left deep sorrow among her colleagues, friends, and the entire policing community.
Until her demise, she served as the DPO of Festac Division. She had earlier served in several key positions within the Lagos State Police Command, including Deputy Police Public Relations Officer (DPPRO), DPO of Ilupeju, DPO of Iponri, and Forensic Officer at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti. She also worked as Secretary to former Lagos Commissioner of Police, AIG Hakeem Odumosu (retd.)
Born with a passion for service, Matilda Ngbaronye joined the Nigeria Police Force on April 19, 2010, as part of Course 1 of 2010, where she emerged as one of the most outstanding officers in her set. Her career was defined by excellence, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to public safety.
Throughout her service years, she earned numerous awards and commendations, both locally and internationally, in recognition of her professionalism, discipline, and community-friendly approach to policing. She was known for building trust between the police and the communities she served — a rare attribute in modern law enforcement.
Her death has triggered an outpouring of grief. Her family, friends, and subordinates have described her as a “gallant, upright, and compassionate officer”, while the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) and the wider media community have also expressed deep sadness.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Command described CSP Ngbaronye as a “dedicated, disciplined, and humane officer” whose friendly disposition helped to strengthen public confidence in the police.
“She was known for her diligence, discipline, and commitment to duty. Her humane approach to policing greatly helped bridge the gap between the police and the public she dutifully served. At no time was she found wanting in the discharge of her responsibilities,” the statement read.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohunnare Jimoh, expressed deep shock at her passing. He personally reached out to her husband and her elder brother — a priest — to convey the Command’s condolences and to offer support during this difficult period.
“The news of her demise came as a rude shock to the entire Command. We have lost an exemplary officer whose conduct and service reflected the finest traditions of the Nigeria Police Force,” the CP stated.
Tributes have continued to pour in from colleagues, community leaders, and security stakeholders who had worked closely with her. Many described her as a beacon of integrity and a shining example of leadership in policing.
Among the notable moments in her career was her decoration as Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), conducted by the then Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ishola, and attended by senior officers including DCP Fatai Tijani and other top command officials.
She was also a familiar face at community and professional events, such as the AKEM Foundation’s Business Support Funding Programme and security forums hosted across Lagos, where she represented the police with grace and professionalism.
According to SP Adebisi, burial arrangements for the late officer, described as “a truly upright and dedicated policewoman who served with unwavering professionalism and integrity”, will be announced in due course.
The Lagos State Police Command has urged officers and members of the public to keep her family in their thoughts and prayers as they mourn the loss of one of the Command’s brightest stars.
