Mba, Four Other DIGs Set to Retire as Disu Takes Over as IGP

The Nigeria Police Force is set for a major leadership shakeup following the appointment of Tunji Disu as the new Inspector General of Police, with DIG Frank Mba and four other Deputy Inspectors-General expected to proceed on retirement.

According to a report by PUNCH, sources at the Force Headquarters in Abuja revealed that the top officers have been preparing for their exit since the former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, completed his tenure and Disu was confirmed as the 23rd indigenous IGP. Disu was sworn into office on Wednesday.

According to inside sources, the affected DIGs have been anticipating their departure and have begun clearing their belongings from their offices in readiness.

“They are fully aware that their time is up and have been waiting for the official word. Most of them have already packed their personal effects,” a source familiar with the situation disclosed.

The impending retirements are tied to a planned promotion exercise involving seven Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, who are scheduled to appear before the Police Service Commission on Friday for assessment. Their successful promotion to the rank of DIG will automatically necessitate the exit of the current occupants.

The seven AIGs tipped for elevation include Margreth Ochalla, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, Ishiaku Mohammed, Zachariah Fera, Zango Ibrahim, Umar Shehu Nadada, and Muhammed Abdul Sulaiman.

When approached for comment, PSC spokesman Torty Kalu neither confirmed nor refuted the development.

Among those exiting is DIG Frank Mba, a lawyer who has built an impressive career spanning over two decades. A graduate of the University of Lagos, he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002. He also holds a Master’s degree in Law with distinction from the University of Dundee in Scotland.

Mba’s training portfolio includes stints at the FBI National Academy in the United States and leadership programmes at Harvard University and Oxford University.

During his service, he held key positions including Commissioner of Police in Ogun State and head of the Border Patrol Force at Force Headquarters. He also served as Area Commander in Ajah and FESTAC Town in Lagos.