The Lagos State Police Command has announced the death of one of its finest officers, CSP. Matilda Ngbaronye, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Festac Division.
According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Abimbola Adebisi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP. Jimoh Moshood Olohundare, the respected officer died on Friday, October 24, 2025, after undergoing surgery at Mayriamville Medical Centre, Bode Thomas, Surulere.
In the statement, the Command expressed deep sorrow over her death, describing CSP. Matilda Umiah Ngbaronye as “a truly upright and dedicated officer who served with unwavering professionalism and integrity.”
“Until her passing, she was known for her diligence, discipline, and commitment to duty. Her friendly disposition and humane approach to policing greatly helped to 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.
CP. Olohundare also extended condolences to her family, including her aged mother, husband, and elder brother, who is a Priest.
The Command assured that details of the burial arrangements will be made public in due course.
“The CP has personally reached out to her husband and her elder brother to extend the Command’s heartfelt condolences and support during this difficult time,” the statement added.
A career defined by excellence and service
Before her death, CSP. Matilda had built a sterling career within the Lagos State Police Command, marked by professionalism and compassion.
She came into public recognition as the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DPPRO, where she supported the then Command Spokesperson, SP. Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in improving communication between the police and citizens.
Her journey through the ranks was steady and exemplary. As reported by CASEFILE, she was decorated with the rank of Superintendent of Police, SP, in 2021 by then Commissioner, CP Hakeem Odumosu, at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja.
Matilda Ngbaronye was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on April 19, 2010, and served in various sensitive roles, including Crime Officer, Dolphin Estate Division, Ikoyi, and Fingerprint Expert at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCIID, Panti.
The officer also headed the Public Complaints Bureau, PCB, demonstrating fairness and empathy in handling citizens’ petitions. Later, her deployment to the African Union Mission in Somalia, AMISOM, as documented in an earlier CASEFILE publication, showcased Matilda Ngbaronye as an international representative who brought pride to Nigeria.
As the Public Information Officer, PIO, in Somalia, she embodied the ideals of public service, promoting transparency, gender inclusion, and accountability in post-conflict operations.
Her colleagues often described her as “a quintessential cop with a captivating mien”, that was a fitting description for an officer whose warmth, intelligence, and discipline inspired both peers and subordinates.
Through her years of service, CSP. Matilda Ngbaronye attended several professional courses, including the Advanced Detective Course, ADC, and Human Rights Protection Course, both in Nigeria and abroad.
Her passion for image management and new media made her one of the most effective communicators within the Force.
Matilda Ngbaronye: Tributes pour in for a trailblazing officer
News of CSP Matilda Ngbaronye’s passing has shaken the Lagos Police Command to its core.
At the Festac Division, where she last served, officers and community leaders described her as “a bridge between the police and the people.”
Her remarkable career spanning assignments at SCIID Panti, Dolphin Estate, AMISOM, and finally Festac Division reflects her evolution from a promising young officer to one of the most respected female superintendents in Lagos.
Ngbaronye was celebrated for her return to the Command’s Public Relations Unit, where she strengthened community relations and helped the police regain public confidence.
Today, that same Command mourns her loss, describing her as a symbol of dedication, professionalism, and empathy.
Her life’s story from a young recruit to a Chief Superintendent of Police remains an enduring example of courage and integrity in service.
