The Police Service Commission (PSC) has ordered the retirement of four deputy inspectors-general of police (DIGs), signaling a significant shift in the leadership of the Nigerian Police Force. Dan-Mallam Mohammed, Moses Ambakina Jitiboh, Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa, and Adeleke Adeyinka Bode are the affected DIGs.
The decision was announced by Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC’s spokesperson, after the officers failed to voluntarily retire following Kayode Egbetokun’s appointment as interim inspector-general of police on June 19, 2023. As is customary within the police, the PSC had afforded ample time for senior-level DIGs to retire or depart the force.
Nigerian Police
In a statement released on Monday, Ani noted, “In the wake of the appointment of the acting inspector-general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, on June 19, 2023, by Mr. President, the Commission had anticipated, in accordance with the revered tradition of discipline and regimented culture of the Nigeria Police Force, that those DIGs who were senior in rank prior to his promotion would voluntarily apply for retirement or choose to leave the force.”
On August 25, 2023, former DIGs will be required to retire. This action not only results in a reorganization of the police force’s leadership, but it also emphasizes the department’s dedication to maintaining discipline and adhering to established protocols.
President Bola Tinubu authorized the immediate retirement of all security chiefs, including former IGP Usman Baba, on June 19. The subsequent appointment of Kayode Egbetokun as interim IGP signified a change in the Nigerian Police Force’s senior leadership.
In related news, the PSC has also approved the promotion of four assistant inspectors-general of police to the rank of deputy inspector-generals. New DIGs include Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje, Daniel Sokari, Ayuba Ekpeji, and Usman Nagogo. It is expected that this strategic move will introduce new perspectives and leadership to the force, thereby assuring a robust approach to law enforcement and public safety.
The Nigeria Police Force has made a concerted effort to maintain a culture of professionalism and discipline and to realign its leadership with modern challenges, as evidenced by recent developments.
