February 20, 2026 | Abuja –
In a move that has raised eyebrows within the upper echelons of the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has promoted Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Fayoade Adegoke Mustapha to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General (DIG).
Fayoade, who has been with the Force since 1992, previously served as AIG overseeing Zone 2 Command, which covers Lagos and Ogun states. The promotion comes after he reportedly excelled in a rigorous written examination and oral interview conducted by the PSC as part of its merit-based assessment exercise.
The decision has reportedly unsettled several senior AIGs, who see the elevation as a breach of the Force’s long-standing seniority traditions. Despite this, the PSC defended its move, highlighting Fayoade’s exemplary record in crime-fighting, technology-driven policing, and community engagement.
PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd), called on the newly promoted officer to view the advancement as a “call to greater responsibility,” noting that his skills in stakeholder collaboration and modern policing methods would strengthen Nigeria’s internal security architecture.
The PSC emphasized that its actions fall squarely within its constitutional mandate to appoint and promote officers, a process that does not involve the Inspector-General of Police.
Fayoade’s elevation marks a significant moment in the Force’s leadership landscape, signaling a possible shift toward performance-based promotions.
