FULL LIST: Disu’s emergence as IGP puts 8 DIGs on retirement watch

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday appointed Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police, a development that is expected to trigger the exit of several senior officers in line with long-standing internal convention in the Nigeria Police Force.

The appointment followed the resignation of the former IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, who stepped down after submitting a letter citing pressing family reasons.

Disu, who until his elevation served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos, is regarded as junior in rank to a number of serving Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs).

Although the retirement of senior officers in such circumstances is not a legal requirement, the practice is traditionally observed to preserve hierarchy and operational stability within the Force.

Below are DIGs likely to be affected:

Frank Mba

Frank Mba began his career in the police as an Inspector and progressed steadily through the ranks. He became an Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1999 and was promoted to Deputy Superintendent in 2003.

A three-time national spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, Mba rose to Superintendent of Police in 2008, Chief Superintendent in 2012, Assistant Commissioner in 2014, Deputy Commissioner in 2018 and Commissioner of Police in December 2020. He was decorated as an Assistant Inspector-General of Police in March 2023.

He also received a United Nations medal for his service with the Nigerian police contingent to the UN Mission in Liberia between 2006 and 2007.

Mohammed Gumel

Mohammed Gumel assumed duty as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, in late December 2025.

A senior officer noted for his work in community policing, Gumel previously served as a Commissioner of Police and was named Community Policing Advocate of the Year in 2024. He holds the FIPMA and Police Staff College (psc) professional certifications.

Adebola Hamzat

Adebola Hamzat is the Deputy Inspector-General of Police overseeing the Department of Logistics and Supply, a position he assumed in March 2025.

In that role, he supervises procurement, works, housing and the Force Quarter-Master, as well as other technical and administrative logistics across the police.

Before his promotion, Hamzat served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of Zone 16, Yenagoa, Commissioner of Police in Oyo State and head of the Counter-Terrorism Unit. He is an indigene of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State.

IT’S OFFICIAL: Tinubu appoints Tunji Disu as new IGP

Yahaya Abubakar

Yahaya Abubakar is the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Finance and Administration at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The department handles budgeting, financial management, human resources and general administration of the police.

He was appointed to the position following his promotion by the Police Service Commission in 2024, having previously served as an Assistant Inspector-General and zone commander.

Basil Idegwu

Basil Idegwu was appointed in March 2025 as head of the Department of Research and Planning at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

He is responsible for policy formulation, strategic planning and initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency and service delivery. Idegwu holds a PhD in Peace and Security Studies.

Bzigu Kwazhi

Bzigu Kwazhi serves as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Department of Operations.

He oversees nationwide tactical deployments, crime-prevention strategies, joint security operations and the management of security responses to riots, disasters and elections.

In 2025, he led several high-level security assessments and operations in Plateau and Adamawa states. Kwazhi previously served as Commissioner of Police in Osun and Akwa Ibom states.

Idris Abubakar

Idris Abubakar joined the Nigeria Police Force as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police on May 18, 1992. He is from Garko Local Government Area of Kano State.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education from Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, a Master’s degree in Education (Psychology) and a PhD in Psychology from the University of Abuja.

Adebowale Williams

Adebowale Williams is a Deputy Inspector-General of Police and heads the Department of Information and Communication Technology at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

He oversees the development and management of the police’s digital infrastructure, communication systems, and technology platforms designed to support modern policing operations nationwide.

The Star