Frank Mba other DIGs retire; as PSC screens seven AIGs for potential replacement

Frank Mba other DIGs retire; as PSC screens seven AIGs for potential replacement

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has invited seven Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) for promotion interviews to the rank of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs), as part of efforts to fill emerging vacancies in the top hierarchy of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The move is aimed at strengthening the Force management team and ensuring continuity in leadership following the retirement of some senior officers. The officers, if successful, will join the top command structure of the police and work with the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu.

The AIGs invited for the promotion exercise are Margareth Ochalla, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, Ishiaku Mohammed, Zacharia Fera Achinyan, Zango Ibrahim Baba, Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman and Umar Shehu Nadada.

A highly placed source in the PSC confirmed to The Nation that the officers are expected to appear before the commission for the interview at its Abuja headquarters on Friday.

The exercise is part of measures to prevent leadership gaps in the Force following the exit of some serving DIGs.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Training and Development, DIG Frank Mba, has voluntarily retired from the Nigeria Police Force after 34 years of service.

Mba’s retirement comes alongside those of other senior officers following the recent retirement of former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Mba, who previously served as the Force Public Relations Officer and spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, joined the police in May 1992 as a cadet officer. He distinguished himself early in his career by graduating as the best cadet in academics at the Nigeria Police Academy, Kano.

During his years in service, Mba held several strategic positions across operations, investigations, administration and public relations. His postings included Area Commander in Ajah and Festac in Lagos, Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Commissioner of Police in charge of the Border Patrol Force at Force Headquarters, and Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Panti, Lagos.

In a farewell message to the PSC, Mba expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the country.

“I am deeply grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the privilege of serving our great nation during his administration. The confidence reposed in the Nigeria Police leadership and the support given to the institution during this period have been invaluable.

“It has been a great honour for me to contribute my quota to the security and stability of our country,” he said.

Mba also thanked Nigerians for their support throughout his years in the Force.

“I want to sincerely thank the good people of Nigeria for the trust, encouragement, and cooperation they extended to me throughout my 34 years in service.

“Policing is a difficult but noble profession, and whatever success we recorded was made possible by the understanding and support of Nigerians. I leave the service with a heart full of gratitude and pride for having had the opportunity to serve.”