29 DIGs, AIGs May Exit as Disu Takes Over from Egbetokun as Inspector-General of Police

No fewer than 29 senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force may leave service following the appointment of Olatunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police.

The officers affected include eight Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and 21 Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) who were promoted before Disu’s elevation to the top position.

Under established police hierarchy practice, officers senior to a newly appointed Inspector-General are expected to step aside. Disu, prior to his appointment, served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

His appointment followed the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down citing family reasons, according to the Presidency.

With the leadership transition underway, attention has shifted to the senior officers whose positions may be affected.

Full List of Senior Officers Likely to Exit

Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs)

1. Adebola Hamzat – DIG, Department of Logistics and Supply (DLS). Oversees procurement, works, housing and logistics for the Force. Promoted to DIG in March 2025.

2. Yahaya Abubakar – DIG, Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). Supervises budgeting, human resources and administrative processes.

3. Bzigu Kwazhi – DIG, Department of Operations (DOPs). Coordinates nationwide tactical and joint security operations.

4. Adebowale Williams – DIG, Department of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Heads police digital infrastructure and technology systems.

5. Idris Abubakar – Senior DIG with extensive operational and academic background in education and psychology.

6. Basil Idegwu – DIG, Department of Research and Planning (R&P). Leads strategic planning, policy formulation and reform initiatives.

7. Mohammed Gumel – DIG, Force Intelligence Department (FID). Heads the apex intelligence-gathering arm of the Force.

8. Another DIG senior to the Acting IGP is also expected to be affected in line with service tradition.

Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs)

Among the 21 AIGs who may be required to retire are senior officers promoted before Disu’s elevation, including:

Frank Mba – Former Force Public Relations Officer and current AIG, decorated in March 2023. A three-time police spokesperson and UN peacekeeping medal recipient.

Other AIGs senior to the Acting IGP across zonal commands, specialised departments and training institutions may also be impacted in line with police practice.

If implemented, the exit of 29 senior officers would represent a significant restructuring of the police high command.

Disu’s appointment remains subject to confirmation by the Nigeria Police Council and the Senate. Pending that process, the potential retirement of DIGs and AIGs senior to him is expected to open up positions within the top command structure.