DIGs Likely to Retire as Tunji Disu Takes Over as Acting IGP

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Tunji Disu as the acting Inspector-General of Police, following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun from the top position in the Nigeria Police Force.

Egbetokun tendered his resignation, citing pressing family considerations. In a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President acknowledged receiving the letter earlier on Tuesday and expressed appreciation for Egbetokun’s service to the nation.

Egbetokun, who was appointed in June 2023, was serving a four-year tenure expected to run until June 2027, in line with the amended provisions of the Police Act.

Before his new appointment, Disu served as the AIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

In Nigeria, it is a long-established tradition that when a junior officer is appointed as Inspector-General of Police, senior officers—especially those above him in rank- often retire to preserve hierarchy, seniority, and institutional stability. While this is not strictly mandated by law, it is widely respected within the force.

Based on that convention, the following Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) are among those likely to be affected by Disu’s emergence as acting IGP.

Frank Mba

Frank Mba began his policing career as an Inspector and rose steadily through the ranks, becoming an Assistant Inspector-General of Police in March 2023. He is widely known as a three-time National Spokesman of the Nigeria Police Force and received a UN Medal for his service with the Nigeria Police Contingent in the United Nations Mission in Liberia (2006–2007).

Mohammed Gumel

Mohammed Gumel assumed office as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department in late December 2025/early January 2026. He is regarded as an experienced officer with a reputation for community policing and has been recognised as a Community Policing Advocate of the Year (2024). He holds FIPMA and psc designations.

Adebola Hamzat

Adebola Hamzat currently serves as the DIG in charge of the Department of Logistics and Supply and was promoted to the rank of DIG in March 2025. He oversees logistics and procurement needs across the force, including works, housing, and the quartermaster functions. He previously served as AIG Zone 16, CP Oyo State, and also led the Counter Terrorism Unit. He is an indigene of Ifelodun LGA, Kwara State.

Yahaya Abubakar

Yahaya Abubakar most recently served as Head of the Department of Finance and Administration at the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The department oversees budgeting, financial management, human resources, and core administrative processes. He was appointed following his promotion by the Police Service Commission in 2024 and has held several senior roles, including AIG and Zone Commander.

Basil Idegwu

Basil Idegwu was appointed to lead the Department of Research and Planning at Force Headquarters, Abuja, as of March 2025. He is responsible for strategic planning, policy development, and driving operational efficiency across the force. He holds a Ph.D. in Peace and Security Studies and leads a department central to standardisation and police modernisation.

Bzigu Kwazhi

Bzigu Kwazhi currently serves as DIG in charge of the Department of Operations, overseeing nationwide operational coordination, crime prevention strategy, public order management, and joint operations with other security agencies. In 2025, he was linked with high-level security assessments and operations in states including Plateau and Adamawa. He has previously served as Commissioner of Police in Osun and Akwa Ibom states.

Idris Abubakar

Idris Abubakar was appointed into the Nigeria Police Force as a cadet ASP on 18/05/1992 and hails from Garko LGA of Kano State. He holds academic qualifications including a B.Sc. in Education from Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, an M.Sc. in Education and Psychology, and a PhD in Psychology from the University of Abuja.

Adebowale Williams

Adebowale Williams is a DIG who has held a key leadership role as Head of the Department of Information and Communication Technology at Force Headquarters, Abuja. The department drives the force’s digital systems, technology infrastructure, and ICT tools required for modern policing.