In a recent change within the top hierarchy of the Nigeria Police Force, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Frank Mba has officially retired after a distinguished 34-year career. This happened on Friday, March 6, 2026, following the recent appointment and swearing-in of Olatunji Rilwan Disu as the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police.
Mba, a widely respected scholar-practitioner who enlisted on May 18, 1992, is moving on alongside several other senior colleagues in accordance with the long-standing police tradition where senior officers bow out when a junior is elevated to the position of IGP. “The DIGs are very ready to leave, but they are waiting for signals. Many of them had moved their belongings from their offices in anticipation of their retirement,” sources at the Force Headquarters revealed, noting that Mba’s exit paves the way for a fresh generation of leadership.
Frank Mba’s legacy is defined by that of intellectual rigor and operational excellence, having served as the Force Public Relations Officer an unprecedented three times. A trained lawyer with a Master’s degree from the University of Dundee and a recently defended PhD from the University of Ibadan, he was often described as the “face of the force” during periods of national tension.
“DIG Frank Mba embodies the finest ideals of professional policing… His public briefings reflected intellectual rigor and calm professionalism, even in moments of crisis,” the Civic Alliance for Security Accountability (CASA) stated in a tribute, dismissisng any claims of favoritism in his rapid rise and affirming that his career was built strictly on “merit, experience, and academic excellence.”
As Mba and his contemporaries prepare to exit, the Police Service Commission has already begun the process of filling the resulting vacancies in the Force Management Team. On Friday, seven Assistant Inspectors-General of Police—including Margreth Ochalla and Kenechukwu Onwuemelie—, were slated to appear before the commission for promotion exams to the rank of DIG.
While Mba’s statutory retirement was originally set for 2027, the “leadership transition” initiated by the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun has accelerated his departure. His 34 years of service, which included a UN Medal for work in Liberia and commands in Lagos and Ogun states, leave an “intellectual capital” that many observers hope the new police leadership will continue to draw upon.
