Federal Government Appoints 6 New Deputy Inspectors General of Police

PSC Announces Key Promotions to Strengthen Law Enforcement

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Police Service Commission (PSC), has approved the appointment of six new Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs). This major reshuffle is aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and strengthening law enforcement across the country.

The announcement was made on Tuesday in a statement by PSC Spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani. The newly appointed DIGs will play vital roles in shaping security policies and implementing strategies to combat crime nationwide.

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Newly Appointed Deputy Inspectors General of Police

The six officers promoted to the rank of DIG include:

1. Sadiq Abubakar – Previously served as the Commandant of the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano.
2. Benjamin Okolo – Former Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of the Department of Information Communication Technology at Force Headquarters, Abuja.
3. Williams Adebowale – Former Commandant of the Police Staff College, Jos.
4. Bzigu Bali – Previously AIG at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Enugu.
5. Idegwu Basil Ukuoma – Former AIG of Zone 14, Katsina.
6. Adebola Ayinde Hamzat – Former AIG of Zone 16, Yenagoa.

These senior officers bring extensive experience and expertise, and their appointments are expected to improve law enforcement strategies, especially in tackling rising security challenges in the country.

Promotion of Senior Officers and New Commissioners of Police

Alongside the appointment of the new DIGs, the PSC also approved the promotion of Kanayo Uzuegbu, the Commissioner of Police (CP) for Enugu State Command, to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG). Uzuegbu has held several strategic positions in the past, including roles in Umuahia, Owerri, Nasarawa, Port Harcourt, Edo, Osun, and Abuja.

Furthermore, two new Commissioners of Police (CPs) have been appointed for Oyo and Enugu State Commands:

• CP Ademola Johnson – Formerly the Principal Staff Officer to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), now appointed as CP of Oyo State.
• CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa – Former Deputy Commissioner of Police in Kaduna and Imo States, now appointed as CP of Enugu State, succeeding newly promoted AIG Kanayo Uzuegbu.

These appointments aim to bolster security leadership in these states, ensuring a more coordinated approach to maintaining law and order.

Promotion of Eight Chief Superintendents of Police

Additionally, the PSC approved the promotion of eight Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) to Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs). Those promoted include:

• Abdullahi Kamba Usman
• Sani Abdu
• Ifeanyi Owo
• Vincent Orole
• Elisha Atikinkpan
• Margaret Okonkwo
• Alhasan Aliyu Guga
• Imo Owinizi Ezekiel

These officers underwent a rigorous selection process that included written examinations and oral interviews before being promoted.

PSC Chairman Urges New Officers to Strengthen National Security

PSC Chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, charged the newly appointed DIGs and other promoted officers to work closely with the Inspector General of Police to enhance the capacity of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The new DIGs must provide the necessary support and cooperation to the Inspector General of Police to ensure that the Nigeria Police Force is well-positioned to secure the country and maintain law and order,” Argungu emphasized.

These appointments come at a critical time when Nigeria faces multiple security challenges, including insurgency, banditry, and cybercrime. The expectation is that the newly promoted officers will bring innovative solutions to policing, ensuring a safer and more secure nation.