Following the replacement of former Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Disu Olatunji Rilwan as Acting Inspector-General of Police, emerging personnel records indicate that a significant transition may be imminent within the top echelon of the Nigeria Police Force.
PRNigeria findings reveal that eight serving Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) may likely exit the Force in line with established retirement protocols that often accompany leadership changes in military and security institutions.
A Shared Enlistment Date
Investigations show that Acting IGP Disu and the current DIGs were all enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on the same date — May 18, 1992. Official records confirm that the senior officers, who bear police serial numbers beginning with “AP,” rose through the ranks together, benefiting from accelerated promotions at various stages of their careers.
However, while their enlistment dates align, their dates of birth and statutory retirement timelines differ, meaning several are due for retirement based on age and years of service.
Profile of the Acting IGP
With police serial number AP 41729, Disu was born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State. He was promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General on March 6, 2025, and would ordinarily have been due for retirement on April 13, 2026, upon attaining the mandatory age threshold.
A graduate of English, Disu built a reputation as a seasoned intelligence operative. Before his appointment as Acting IGP, he served as Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and later as AIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, Lagos.
DIGs and Their Retirement Windows
Among the senior officers potentially affected by the transition is DIG Frank Mba (AP 42019), from Enugu State, currently overseeing the Department of Training and Development. Born on October 9, 1971, and promoted to DIG on June 11, 2023, Mba — a law graduate — is due for retirement on May 18, 2027.
DIG Sadiq Idris Abubakar (AP 41798), from Kano State, heads the Force Criminal Investigation Department at Force Headquarters, Abuja. Born on November 20, 1966, and promoted on March 3, 2025, the Geography graduate is due for retirement on November 20, 2026.
DIG Adebowale William (AP 41774), from Ondo State, oversees the Department of Information and Communication Technology. Born on January 28, 1966, and promoted on March 3, 2025, the Political Science graduate was due for retirement on January 28, 2026.