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.
DIG Bzigu Yakubu Kwazhi (AP 41866), from Adamawa State, heads the Department of Operations. Born on April 10, 1967, and promoted on March 3, 2025, the History graduate is expected to retire on April 10, 2027.
DIG Adebola Ayinde Hamzat (AP 41759), from Kwara State, supervises the Department of Logistics and Supply. Born on November 3, 1966, and promoted on March 3, 2025, the Sociology graduate is due for retirement on November 3, 2026.
DIG Basil Idegwu (AP 41759), from Delta State, heads the Department of Research and Planning at Force Headquarters. Born on July 25, 1968, and promoted on March 3, 2025, the English graduate is expected to retire 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.
DIG Bzigu Yakubu Kwazhi (AP 41866), from Adamawa State, heads the Department of Operations. Born on April 10, 1967, and promoted on March 3, 2025, the History graduate is expected to retire on April 10, 2027.
DIG Adebola Ayinde Hamzat (AP 41759), from Kwara State, supervises the Department of Logistics and Supply. Born on November 3, 1966, and promoted on March 3, 2025, the Sociology graduate is due for retirement on November 3, 2026.
DIG Basil Idegwu (AP 41759), from Delta State, heads the Department of Research and Planning at Force Headquarters. Born on July 25, 1968, and promoted on March 3, 2025, the English graduate is expected to retire on May 18, 2027.
DIG Dankwara Adamu Mohammed (AP 41736), from Adamawa State, is in charge of the Department of Finance and Administration. Born on October 1, 1966, and promoted on September 1, 2025, the Business Administration graduate is due for retirement on October 1, 2026.
DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel (AP 41832), from Jigawa State, heads the Force Intelligence Department. Born on November 5, 1966, and promoted on December 24, 2025, the Education graduate is scheduled for retirement on November 5, 2026.
Implications for Force Leadership
PRNigeria notes that the near-simultaneous enlistment of the Acting IGP and the current DIGs presents a unique administrative scenario, as several senior officers are approaching statutory retirement within a narrow timeframe.
Traditionally, in military and paramilitary services, the appointment of a new Inspector-General often triggers a reshuffling or retirement of senior officers who share the same service seniority, paving the way for a new leadership structure.
While no official retirement notices have yet been announced, insiders suggest that the coming months could witness one of the most significant leadership turnovers in the recent history of the Nigeria Police Force.
As Acting IGP Disu settles into office, attention is expected to shift toward potential promotions, redeployments, and the reconstitution of the Force Management Team — decisions that will shape the operational and strategic direction of the Nigeria Police in the months ahead.
For now, the transition marks not just a change at the top, but the possible end of an era for a cohort of officers who joined the Force together more than three decades ago.
By PRNigeria
