By Monday Ijeh
Abuja, Dec. 19, 2025 (NAN) – In a significant move to reshape the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved a major wave of promotions, headlined by the appointment of Mr. Mohammed Gumel as a Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG). The promotions, affecting hundreds of officers across multiple ranks, signal a strategic effort to fill key vacancies and reward performance within the force’s senior cadre.
Mr. Torty Kalu, Head of Protocol and Public Affairs for the PSC, confirmed the appointments in a detailed statement released in Abuja on Thursday. He emphasized that the promotions followed a rigorous and transparent selection process, designed to ensure that only the most qualified officers ascend to higher responsibilities.
“The approval was granted after a series of demanding written examinations and intensive oral interviews,” Kalu stated. The process was personally presided over by the Chairman of the PSC, Mr. Hashimu Argungu, underscoring the commission’s commitment to merit-based advancement.
Spotlight on the New Deputy Inspector-General
The elevation of Mr. Mohammed Gumel to the prestigious rank of DIG is particularly noteworthy. Prior to his appointment, Gumel served as the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of the Community Policing Project (CPP), Research and Planning. This background is critical; it places a seasoned officer with direct experience in modern, community-focused policing strategies—a key pillar of current reform efforts—into one of the nation’s top law enforcement positions. His promotion suggests a continued institutional emphasis on intelligence-led and community-engaged policing models.
Comprehensive List of Senior Promotions
Beyond the DIG appointment, the PSC’s announcement details a substantial restructuring of the police high command:
- To Assistant Inspector-General (AIG): Seven Commissioners of Police (CPs) were elevated. The newly promoted AIGs are Ihebom Chukwuma, Maxwell Olatokunbo, Abaniwonda Olufemi, Alonyenu Idu, Lawal Ayodeji, Agene Emmanuel, and Vungmoh Kwaimo.
- To Commissioner of Police (CP): Thirteen Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) rose to the rank of CP. This group includes Babalola Johnson, Ali Fage, Cyril Obiozo, Adepegba Adetoye, Tabitha Bako, Ofem Arikpo, Edwin Ogbeghagha, Audu Bosso, Samuel Gimba, Alhaji Danladi, Richard Gara, Lasisi Titilola, and John Obiuagbaka.
Widespread Impact Across the Ranks
The promotion wave extended deep into the officer corps, demonstrating a broad-based recognition of service and potential:
- 30 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) were promoted to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).
- 51 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) were elevated to ACP.
- 542 Superintendents of Police (SPs) were promoted to CSP—a massive cohort indicating a focus on the mid-level command structure.
- 119 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) became SPs.
- 12 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP) were promoted to DSP.
This scale of promotion is often undertaken to address manpower gaps, boost morale, and prepare a pipeline of leaders for future command roles. It represents a significant investment in the force’s human capital.
Charge from the PSC Leadership
In his congratulatory message, PSC Chairman Mr. Hashimu Argungu linked the officers’ new ranks directly to heightened expectations. He urged them to embrace their expanded responsibilities with renewed vigor and dedication.
“Promotion comes with higher expectations,” Argungu stated. He charged the newly promoted officers to “rededicate themselves to effective policing, the protection of lives and property, and the maintenance of law and order.” This directive frames the promotions not merely as rewards for past service, but as a call to greater accountability and performance in their new capacities, particularly in a challenging security landscape.
The comprehensive nature of these promotions is likely to have a tangible impact on police operations and command dynamics across the country in the coming months. (NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
