The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of seven Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to the rank of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) in a move aimed at strengthening the leadership structure of the Nigeria Police Force.

The promotion exercise, conducted at the commission’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, followed a merit-based selection process. According to the PSC, the evaluation involved a detailed review of the officers’ seniority, service records, and performance in both written examinations and oral interviews.

The exercise took place on Friday and formed part of the commission’s broader efforts to ensure that leadership appointments within the Nigeria Police Force are guided by competence, professionalism, and experience.

Among the newly elevated officers is Zachariah Fera Achinyan, who previously served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 4, Makurdi. Also promoted is Zango Ibrahim Baba, formerly AIG in the Department of Logistics and Supply.

Others include Isyaku Mohammed, who served as AIG in charge of Armament at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, and Margaret Agebe Ochalla, formerly AIG at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Lagos.

The promotion list also features Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman, who was previously overseeing police accounts and budget at the force headquarters in Abuja. Additionally, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, the former AIG in charge of Zone 15 in Maiduguri, and Umar Shehu Nadada, previously AIG for Zone 14 in Katsina, were elevated to the new rank.

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According to the Police Service Commission, the promotions became necessary following the recent retirement of eight Deputy Inspectors-General of Police who had previously occupied strategic leadership positions within the force.

The commission explained that filling these vacancies promptly is essential to maintaining operational stability and ensuring effective command within the police hierarchy.

The development also followed the earlier elevation of DIG Fayoade Adegoke to the substantive rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police. The commission noted that the combined adjustments were part of a deliberate effort to reinforce the management structure of the force.

In a statement released after the exercise, the PSC confirmed that the newly promoted officers will now become members of the Force Management Team. Their roles will involve contributing to high-level decision-making and strategic planning for policing operations across the country.

“The promotions became necessary to fill the vacancies created by the retirement of eight DIGs who previously occupied these strategic offices,” the commission stated.

Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (retd.), congratulated the officers on their elevation and urged them to justify the confidence placed in them.

Argungu emphasized the importance of dedication, professionalism, and integrity in the discharge of their duties. He also tasked the officers with prioritizing national security while maintaining a productive working relationship with the commission.

According to him, effective collaboration between the PSC and the Nigeria Police Force is vital to sustaining reforms and improving the performance of the country’s law enforcement system.

Several members of the PSC Board participated in the promotion process as examiners. They included Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (retd.), Dr. Taiwo Lakanu, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police and Chairman of the PSC Standing Committee on Police Matters, as well as Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.

The commission reiterated its commitment to transparency and merit in the promotion process, stating that such measures are essential to building a more professional and accountable police force.