By Adesakin Adefemi
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has promoted seven (7) Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) to the rank of Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs), in a move aimed at strengthening the leadership cadre of the Nigeria Police Force.
The promotions, which are a result of merit, seniority, record of service and performance in a written examination and oral interview, are part of efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the police force in maintaining law and order in the country.
The newly promoted DIGs are: Zachariah Fera Achinyan, fdc (formerly AIG Zone 4, Makurdi); Zango Ibrahim Baba (formerly AIG Department of Logistics and Supply); Isyaku Mohammed (formerly AIG Armament, Force Headquarters, Abuja); Margaret Agebe Ochalla (formerly AIG FCID Annex, Lagos); Mohammed Abdul Sulaiman, mni (formerly AIG Police Accounts and Budget, Force Headquarters, Abuja); Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, fdc (formerly AIG Zone 15, Maiduguri); and Umar Shehu Nadada, mni (formerly AIG Zone 14, Katsina).
This latest round of promotions follows the recent elevation of DIG Fayoade Adegoke to the substantive rank of DIG, and is expected to fill the vacancies created by the retirement of eight (8) DIGs who previously occupied these strategic offices.
The Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd), has charged the new DIGs to live up to the expectations of their new offices, prioritizing national security and fostering a cordial and productive working relationship with the Commission to ensure the continued development of the Nigeria Police Force.
Argungu emphasized the importance of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties, and urged the new DIGs to work towards enhancing the image of the police force and improving public trust.
The promotions are a testament to the PSC’s commitment to merit-based promotions and its efforts to strengthen the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
The exercise was conducted with the participation of PSC Board Members, including Hon. Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, JSC (rtd); Dr. Taiwo Lakanu (DIG rtd & Chairman, PSC Standing Committee on Police Matters); and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani (Secretary to the Commission).
The PSC expects the new DIGs to bring fresh perspectives and energy to their new roles, and to work collaboratively with other senior officers to address the security challenges facing the country.
The promotions are effective immediately, and the new DIGs are expected to assume their new responsibilities forthwith.
