Most senior officer in Nigeria Police Force bypassed twice in succession; South-East left without representation at top.
Controversy has trailed the appointment of AIG Olatunji Ridwan Disu as Acting Inspector General of Police, with questions emerging over the repeated sidelining of DIG Frank Mba—the most senior serving officer in the Nigeria Police Force.
According to police records and multiple security sources, DIG Mba, an indigene of the South-East, was the highest-ranking officer among eligible Deputy Inspectors-General at the time of both the 2023 and 2026 IGP transitions. Yet on both occasions, officers from the South-West—with fewer years in service and lower seniority—were appointed to the top job.
The 2023 Precedent
In 2023, Mba was passed over in favor of Kayode Egbetokun, who had fewer years remaining in service and was from the South-West. Egbetokun’s appointment was followed by a tenure extension that effectively shifted the succession window, blocking Mba from consideration.
2026: History Repeats
With the appointment of AIG Tunji Disu—also from the South-West—as Acting IGP, Mba has been bypassed for the second consecutive time, despite remaining at the top of the hierarchy and having sufficient years left in service to lead the force.
Regional Imbalance and Federal Character
The repeated bypass has left the South-East region without representation at the top of the Nigeria Police Force. Security analysts note that this departs from long-standing tradition, where IGP appointments typically followed seniority among serving DIGs and reflected the federal character principle.
A police source close to the matter stated: “Force records confirm that Mba was at the top of the hierarchy at the time of both transitions. Yet appointments continued to favor officers from the same region.”
Political or Institutional?
Retired senior officers have described the development as a departure from established practice. The absence of any official explanation has further strengthened the perception that the decisions were politically and ethnically determined rather than institutionally guided.
DIG Frank Mba’s Credentials
DIG Frank Mba is widely respected within and outside the force for his professionalism, integrity, and track record. He has served in numerous high-profile positions, including as Force Public Relations Officer and Commissioner of Police in charge of various commands. His qualifications and experience place him among the most capable officers of his generation.
Calls for Transparency
Lawmakers and civil society groups have begun to question the criteria used in the selection process, calling for transparency and adherence to federal character principles in future appointments.
About DIG Frank Mba:
DIG Frank Mba is an indigene of Orlu, Imo State (South-East Nigeria). He holds a law degree and has served the Nigeria Police Force for over three decades, rising through the ranks to become the most senior DIG.
Follow Us:
📘 Facebook: @okunreporters
🐦 X (Twitter): @okunreporter
🌐 Website: www.okunreporters.com.ng
Contact:
Editor
Òkun Reporters
editor@okunreporters.com.ng
Source: BarristerStreet
About The Author
