Africa-Press – Angola. President João Lourenço signed a decree awarding the Police Service Valor Medal, Single Class, to Chief Commissioner Sebastião Martins, former Minister of the Interior.
According to the decree made public on Monday (23) by the Presidency of the Republic Office, the award aims to recognize the achievements and merits of the members of the police force in guaranteeing constitutional order, maintaining public security and tranquility, and preventing and combating crime, which are key factors for social peace.
Chief Commissioner Sebastião Martins served as Minister of the Interior of Angola between 2010 and 2012.
With a solid career in state intelligence and security, he was also head of the State Intelligence and Security Service (SINSE).
After leaving public office, he has dedicated himself to academic research.
Sebastião Martins has a remarkable academic background, including a master’s degree in Strategy from ISCSP (University of Lisbon) with an unprecedented grade of 19 out of 20.
The Head of State also awarded the Police Service Medal, Single Class, to Chief Commissioner Ângelo de Barros Veiga Tavares.
Among other roles, Ângelo da Veiga Tavares was the National Director of Prison Services, Minister of the Interior, and Inspector General of State Administration (IGAE).
Chief Commissioner Eduardo Filomeno Barber Leiro Octávio and Commissioner Mateus André were also decorated.
Eduardo Filomeno Octávio, now a diplomat, served as director of the extinct DNIC (now Criminal Investigation Service – SIC) and the Foreign Migration Service (SME) and headed the SINSE between 2013 and 2018, assuming leadership of that body after the departure of Sebastião Martins, then Minister of the Interior.
The Police Service Valor Medal, Single Class, is awarded by the President of the Republic.
The medal awarding ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, Febr 26, 2026, at the Presidential Protocol Complex in Luanda, as part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the Angolan National Police, to be held on Saturday, Feb 28, 2026.
