Mba, Gumel, Hamzat, 5 others set for retirement as Disu takes over as acting IGP

Following the appointment of Tunji Disu as acting inspector-general of police (IGP) by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, no fewer than eight deputy inspectors-general (DIGs) are expected to retire from the Nigeria Police Force to clear the path for his confirmation as substantive IGP.

Egbetokun, who was appointed in June 2023 for a four-year term slated to end in June 2027, was commended by the president for his decades of dedicated service, professionalism, and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture.

His time in office was overshadowed by a number of controversies, particularly allegations relating to human rights violations. He was criticised for clamping down on protesters, including civil society groups demonstrating against Nigerian government’s oppression. Last Tuesday, the Nigeria police under his watch fired tear gas at peaceful protesters demanding full electoral reforms at the National Assembly, acting with the force and severity reminiscent of a military dictatorship.

Belowthe new are DIGs who will retire as their junior, Disu, takes over as the acting IGP.

Frank Mba

Frank Mba began his policing career as an inspector and steadily climbed the ranks. He was promoted to assistant superintendent of police in 1999 and became deputy superintendent of police in 2003.

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In 2008, he attained the rank of superintendent of police, followed by chief superintendent in 2012. He became assistant commissioner of police in 2014, deputy commissioner in 2018, and commissioner of police in December 2020. He was decorated as assistant inspector-general of police in March 2023.

Mba has served three times as the national spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force and was awarded the UN Medal for his service with the Nigeria Police Contingent to the United Nations Mission in Liberia between 2006 and 2007.

Mohammed Gumel

Mohammed Gumel assumed duty as the fourth deputy inspector-general of police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, in late December 2025/early January 2026.

The department is the apex intelligence-gathering arm of the Force. Gumel, a former commissioner of police, was recognised as the Best Community Policing Advocate of the Year in 2024. He holds the FIPMA and PSC (Police Staff College) qualifications.

Adebola Hamzat

Adebola Hamzat currently serves as deputy inspector-general of police in charge of the Department of Logistics and Supply. He was appointed and decorated as DIG in March 2025.

As head of the department, he supervises procurement, works, housing, and the Force Quarter-Master, overseeing the technical and logistical backbone of the Nigeria Police Force.

Before his elevation, Hamzat served as assistant inspector-general of police in charge of Zone 16, Yenagoa, covering Bayelsa and Rivers states. He was also commissioner of police for Oyo State and formerly headed the Counter Terrorism Unit. He hails from Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

Yahaya Abubakar

Yahaya Abubakar most recently served as deputy inspector-general of police in charge of the Department of Finance and Administration at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

He leads the department responsible for financial management, budgeting, human resources, and administrative processes of the police. Abubakar was promoted to the position by the Police Service Commission in 2024 after serving in senior roles, including assistant inspector-general and zone commander.

Basil Idegwu

Basil Idegwu was appointed in March 2025 to head the Department of Research and Planning at the Force Headquarters. He oversees strategic planning, policy development, and initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency within the Force.

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Idegwu holds a PhD in Peace and Security Studies and leads efforts focused on standardisation and modernisation of policing services.

Bzigu Kwazhi

Bzigu Kwazhi serves as deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations. He coordinates operational activities, crime prevention strategies, and nationwide law enforcement efforts.

He supervises tactical and joint security operations, including collaboration with the military, and oversees responses to riots, disasters, and election security. In 2025, he led key security assessments in Plateau and Adamawa states. He previously served as commissioner of police in Osun and Akwa Ibom states.

Idris Abubakar

Idris Abubakar joined the Nigeria Police Force as a cadet assistant superintendent of police on May 18, 1992. He hails from Garko Local Government Area of Kano State.

He holds a B.Sc. in Education from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, as well as an M.Sc. in Education (Psychology) and a PhD in Psychology from the University of Abuja.

Adebowale Williams

Adebowale Williams is a deputy inspector-general of police who heads the Department of Information and Communication Technology at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

He oversees the Force’s technological infrastructure, digital systems, and ICT-driven policing tools aimed at modernising operations across the country.