March 6, 2026
SUNTV Global News
A major shake-up within the Nigeria Police Force has seen six Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs), including former Force Public Relations Officer Frank Mba, retire from service amid reports that they may challenge the circumstances of their exit in court.
Sources within the police hierarchy revealed on Friday that the affected senior officers are currently reviewing the conditions surrounding their retirement and weighing legal options to contest the decision.
Those affected include Frank Mba, Sadique Abubakar, Bzigu Yakubu Kwazi (DIG in charge of Operations), Adebola Hamzat, Basil Okwuoma Idiegwu, Mohammed Gumel, and Dan Kwara.
According to insiders, the potential legal challenge could focus on whether due process was followed in determining their retirement dates and whether the action complied with existing service regulations guiding tenure within the police force.
The development comes as the Police Service Commission scheduled promotion interviews for seven Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs seeking elevation to the rank of DIG.
An internal wireless message from the police headquarters in Abuja confirmed that the interactive promotion exercise was held on Friday, March 6, at the commission’s headquarters in Jabi.
The officers invited for the interview include:
- Zacharia Fera Achinyan
- Zango Ibrahim Baba
- Isyaku Mohammed
- Margaret Agebe Ochalla
- Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman
- Kenechukwu Onwuemelie
- Umar Shehu Nadada
The candidates were directed to appear before the commission in conventional police attire, including a black jacket, beret, and swagger cane, while also refreshing their knowledge of professional duties, relevant laws, and police regulations.
The retirements follow the appointment of Tunji Disu as the new Inspector-General of Police after the exit of Kayode Egbetokun.
Sources say pressure had been mounting within the Nigeria Police Force for a restructuring of the police leadership to allow the new IGP to assemble his own management team.
“Pressure has been mounting to let the DIGs go because the newly appointed IGP needs a management team to work with,” a source close to the presidency said.
Tunji Disu, born April 13, 1966, in Lagos State, was promoted to Assistant Inspector-General on March 6, 2025, and was originally scheduled to retire on April 13, 2026.
However, under the amended Nigeria Police Act, an Inspector-General of Police can serve a fixed four-year tenure regardless of age or years of service, potentially allowing Disu to remain in office until 2030.
Despite this provision, sources say political and institutional dynamics could still influence whether the new police chief serves the full term.
The latest developments have reignited national debate over the controversial practice of compulsory retirement among senior police officers whenever a new Inspector-General assumes office.
Such transitions historically trigger leadership shake-ups across the top ranks of the police force, often resulting in multiple retirements and promotions aimed at restructuring the command hierarchy.
Observers say the coming weeks could determine whether the retired DIGs proceed with legal action — a move that could further intensify scrutiny of leadership transitions within the Nigeria Police Force.
