
In a nation where trust in the police is often shaky, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Victor Godfrey has become an glowing brand.
Known for his integrity and hands-on approach, Godfrey’s recent promotion to ACP celebrates a career built on courage, compassion, and result-oriented leadership.
Godfrey first made waves as the head of Imo State’s Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit infamous for abuses before he took charge. When national outrage led to SARS being disbanded and rebranded as SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team, Godfrey transformed his team into a model unit.
Unlike others, his squad avoided scandals by prioritizing respect for citizens.
“We policed with principles, not fear,” he often says.
Colleagues often describe Godfrey as “examplary.” Instead of staying behind a desk, he led daring raids into criminal hideouts, freeing hostages and dismantling kidnap rings.
One standout operation rescued a local businessman held for weeks, a case that had stumped other units.
Awarra community in Ohaji-Egbema was almost lost to vicious and heavily armed militants until ACP Godfrey’s unit took up the case. Before he was reassigned a new case, Awarra was cleaned up with the few recalcitrant ones fleeing the community.
“He doesn’t just give orders – he’s right there with us,” said an officer who worked under him.
During Nigeria’s fiery #EndSARS protests, Godfrey’s team stood apart. He enforced strict rules against brutality, insisting that “Abuse erodes trust, our job is to protect, not terrorize.”
His approach won over skeptics, including activists and radical journalists.
Godfrey’s rise to ACP sparked cheers and jubilant excitement among colleagues and residents of all the command areas he had served.
“This isn’t politics – it’s merit,” said a fellow officer.
Some locals also corroborated tales of his exploits. “He brought peace to our streets,” remarked a trader in Owerri, recalling how Godfrey’s squad cleared gangs that had plagued the market area for years.
Now in his new role, Godfrey vows to keep pushing for professional and ethical policing.
For Nigerians weary of empty promises, his story offers something rare: proof that one officer’s determination to get it right can rewrite the entire script.