By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Several senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force, including Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, may exit the service following the resignation of Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and the appointment of Olatunji Disu, as Acting Inspector-General by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Disu, who was recently promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police, was two weeks ago posted to head the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annexe, Alagbon, Lagos, before his elevation as the 23rd Inspector-General in acting capacity.
Mba, currently Deputy Inspector-General in charge of Training and Development at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, is reportedly among at least four DIGs expected to leave as part of the leadership transition.
It is customary within the police hierarchy for sweeping changes to accompany the appointment of a new IGP, particularly affecting serving DIGs who are senior in rank or entered the force before the new appointee.
However, it remains unclear whether DIG Fayoade Adegoke Mustapha, DIG Funsho Adegboye and DIG Mohammed Adamu Dankwara, who were recently promoted, will also retire alongside Egbetokun.
An internal list circulating within the force indicates that several DIGs heading strategic departments at the Force Headquarters could be impacted by the transition.
Those mentioned include Yahaya S. Abubakar, Deputy Inspector-General in charge of Finance and Administration; Frank Mba, overseeing Training and Development; Adebola Hamzat, Head of Logistics and Supply; and Adebowale Williams, supervising Information and Communication Technology.
Others named are Sadiq Idris Abubakar, in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department; Ben Nebolisa Okolo, who heads the Force Intelligence Department; and Basil O. Idegwu, responsible for Research and Planning.
Police authorities have yet to officially confirm the timing or specifics of any retirements or redeployments linked to the change in leadership.
A source familiar with developments disclosed that several of the officers, including Disu and Mba, were coursemates who joined the force in 1992, albeit through different entry cadres.
According to the source, Mba entered the police as a Cadet Inspector, while Disu and others were enlisted as Assistant Superintendents of Police.
Officers who join as ASPs typically progress faster through the ranks than those who begin as Cadet Inspectors.
It was further gathered that even some of the newly promoted DIGs may be due for retirement between June and July on age grounds.
Under civil service regulations applicable to the police, officers retire upon attaining 60 years of age or after 35 years of service, whichever comes first.
As the leadership transition unfolds, attention remains focused on how the new Acting IGP will shape the top command structure of the force in the weeks ahead.
