The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the appointment of six new Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs) to replace those recently retired by police authorities.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, announced the appointment of Sadiq Idiris Abubakar, Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo, Williams Adebowale, Bzigu Yakubu Kwazi Bali, Idegwu Basil Ukuoma, and Adebola Ayinde Hamzat as the new DIGs.

The appointments come in the wake of the recent retirement of several senior police officers, including DIGs Dasuki Galandachi, Ali Ari Muhammed, Rhoda Adetutu Olofu, Jonathan Towuru, Suleiman Yusuf, Banji Lawal Badru, and Bala Ciroma.

Profiles of Newly Appointed DIGs  

– Sadiq Idiris Abubakar was previously the Commandant of the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano. He has also served as the Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory and CP for Peacekeeping Operations.
– Benjamin Nebolisa Okolo served as the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Zone 16, Yenagoa, and currently oversees the Department of Information Communication Technology at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
– Williams Adebowale was the Commandant of the Police Staff College, Jos, before his promotion.
– Bzigu Yakubu Kwazi Bali previously held the position of AIG at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Enugu.
– Idegwu Basil Ukuoma served as the AIG of Zone 14, Katsina.
– Adebola Ayinde Hamzat was the AIG of Zone 16, Yenagoa, and had earlier served as the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, as well as CP Border Patrol and CP Crime Prevention and Community Safety.

PSC Chairman Urges Cooperation with IGP  

The selection process was led by the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), alongside Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (retd.), Commissioner representing the Judiciary in the Commission; DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd.), Commissioner representing the Police; and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.

DIG Argungu urged the newly appointed DIGs to work closely with the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to enhance security operations and uphold the rule of law across the country.

Background on the Retirements  

The recent retirements were part of a broader effort to enforce service regulations within the Nigeria Police Force. Senior officers who had exceeded the mandatory retirement age or length of service were directed to step down. Reports indicated that some officers had remained in service for up to 44 years due to alleged age falsification.

The Police Service Commission reaffirmed its commitment to upholding discipline and professionalism within the force, emphasizing that adherence to public service rules remains a priority.