(DDM) – The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed with deep sadness the death of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Matilda Ngbaronye, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Festac Division, who reportedly passed away following post-surgery complications.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that CSP Ngbaronye, one of the most respected female senior officers in the Lagos State Police Command, died earlier this week after undergoing a surgical operation in a private hospital in Lagos.
Police sources said the officer had taken a brief medical leave to undergo the procedure but was expected to resume duty shortly before the tragic news broke.
In an official statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing CSP Ngbaronye as “an outstanding officer who served with honour, courage, and professionalism.”
He said the late officer was known for her discipline, integrity, and tireless commitment to community safety, particularly in crime-prone areas around Festac Town and Amuwo Odofin.
“CSP Matilda Ngbaronye was an exemplary officer and a trailblazer for women in policing.
Her leadership qualities, dedication to duty, and sense of justice made her one of the best in the command,” Hundeyin said.
“Her death is a devastating loss not only to the Lagos State Police Command but to the entire Nigeria Police Force.”
Before her deployment to Festac Division, Ngbaronye had served in several sensitive units across Lagos, including the Gender Unit, State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), and Surulere Division.
She was also known for championing gender-based violence awareness and mentoring young female officers in the force.
Community leaders in Festac Town and Amuwo Odofin described her as a firm but compassionate officer who prioritized the safety of residents and was actively involved in community-police partnerships that helped reduce incidents of armed robbery, cultism, and domestic violence in the area.
A local resident, Chief Tony Ugo, told DDM that CSP Ngbaronye often personally led patrols at night to ensure peace within her jurisdiction.
“She was fearless and always present. Many of us respected her not only as a police officer but as a mother figure who genuinely cared for the people,” he said.
According to reports, the late DPO had shown signs of recovery after surgery before her condition suddenly worsened. She was pronounced dead shortly after being rushed back to the hospital for emergency care.
Tributes have poured in from senior police officers, civil society groups, and women’s organizations who hailed her as one of the most remarkable female figures in the Nigeria Police Force.
The Lagos State Police Command has opened a condolence register at the Festac Division, where colleagues, residents, and officials continue to pay their respects.
Flags were flown at half-mast at the police division on Friday, while her family is expected to announce funeral arrangements soon.
