Mba’s retirement comes after 34 Years of Service, alongside other Senior Officers; seven AIGs Poised for Promotion

Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Frank Mba, a prominent figure in the Nigeria Police Force known for his roles as a three-time national spokesman and his contributions to training and public engagement, has retired after a distinguished 34-year career.

The retirement follows the recent appointment of Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Olatunji (Tunji) Disu as the new Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In line with longstanding traditions and protocols within the Nigeria Police Force, the elevation of a junior officer to the top position typically necessitates the retirement of senior officers, including DIGs, to maintain the force’s strict hierarchy, seniority structure, and operational stability.

DIG Mba, who joined the force on May 18, 1992—the same enlistment date as the new Acting IGP Disu—had served with notable professionalism, integrity, and reform-minded dedication. Civil society groups, including the Civic Alliance for Security Accountability (CASA), have lauded him as a “scholar-practitioner” whose career set a benchmark for ethical policing and effective communication.

Mba’s service included a UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia (2006–2007), where he earned a UN Medal, and various strategic roles across investigations, operations, and administration.

His statutory retirement was originally projected for April 2027 after completing 35 years of service, but the leadership transition accelerated his exit.

Tributes from colleagues and observers highlight his charisma, composure, exceptional public relations skills, and ability to humanize the police image, inspiring many young Nigerians to view the profession positively.

The transition has broader implications for the force’s senior ranks. Reports indicate that multiple DIGs (potentially up to eight, including Mba) have been affected by the customary retirements tied to the new IGP’s appointment.

Meanwhile, the shake-up is expected to open opportunities for promotions, with at least seven Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) set to advance to fill the resulting vacancies at the DIG level and support the restructuring of the force’s leadership.

This development comes amid discussions on police hierarchy conventions, federal character considerations in promotions, and the need to preserve institutional knowledge during transitions.

President Tinubu’s administration has reportedly intervened to moderate the scale of retirements, avoiding a mass exit of around 30 senior officers as initially anticipated in some internal projections.

The Nigeria Police Force continues its leadership transition under Acting IGP Disu, with focus on maintaining stability and effectiveness in national security duties.

The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo (also referred to as Abdulsalam Aminu Gwarzo).

The move, announced during plenary on Thursday, March 5, 2026, follows allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, breach of public trust, and financial impropriety.

These reportedly include claims of receiving kickbacks from the state’s 44 local government councils during his earlier tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs between 2023 and 2024, with some reports citing sums exceeding ₦1.6 billion.

Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini Dala presented and read the impeachment notice on the floor of the House, in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which governs the removal of a governor or deputy governor for gross misconduct.

The Speaker, Ismail Falgore, confirmed that the notice has been formally served on the deputy governor, granting him a two-week period to respond to the allegations before further steps are taken.

This development comes amid political tensions in the state, where the deputy governor has remained in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and has not aligned with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recent move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reports indicate he has been absent from government house activities and interactions with the governor.

The Assembly has emphasized that the process will follow constitutional procedures, and the deputy governor has the opportunity to defend himself against the charges.

BELOW ARE THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE KANO STATE DEPUTY GOVERNOR:

The petition lists the following allegations:Breach of Public Trust: Abdulsalam is accused of diverting funds meant for local government administrations for personal gain. Between June 2023 and January 2024, he allegedly received kickbacks totaling ₦462 million over seven months.

Diversion of Funds and Misuse of Official Capacity: From February 2024 to July 2024, he reportedly received ₦726 million from local government councils under the guise of executing special assignments.

Abuse of Office: Abdulsalam allegedly facilitated the improper release of ₦440 million to North Med Pharmaceutical Limited, in violation of public procurement laws and state fiscal regulations.

Gross Misconduct: These actions are said to constitute gross misconduct under Section 188(2) of the Constitution, representing serious breaches of constitutional norms and ethical standards for public office holders.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate suspension of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s cashless payment policy, four days after it was introduced.

The policy, launched on the first of March by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, required electronic payments for airport access gates, parking and lounges.

However, its rollout triggered severe traffic congestion at key hubs, including Murtala Muhammed International Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, with long queues reported and some passengers missing flights.

Speaking after the Federal Executive Council meeting, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the President had directed that the policy be halted and reviewed.

He said the ministry and FAAN would temporarily return to a hybrid arrangement allowing cash payments and the use of prepaid FAAN cards already issued.

Mr Keyamo said the President remains committed to a fully electronic revenue collection system but directed that the review should be completed quickly to restore efficiency at airport entry points.