By Amah
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A major leadership transition within the Nigeria Police Force has sparked tributes for outgoing Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, whose 34-year career is being described as one of the most distinguished in recent policing history.
The Civic Alliance for Security Accountability (CASA) led the commendations, portraying Mba as a rare blend of intellectual depth and operational competence — a senior officer whose career mirrored both the discipline and evolving demands of modern law enforcement.
The transition follows the appointment of Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police, succeeding Kayode Egbetokun. In line with established service norms, the elevation of a new IGP traditionally triggers the retirement of senior officers of the same enlistment cohort or those senior in rank. In the current reshuffle, approximately 29 high-ranking officers are expected to bow out.
Due Process, Not Patronage
Responding to speculation circulating online, CASA dismissed claims that Mba’s career trajectory was driven by favoritism. The group clarified that both Mba and Acting IGP Disu enlisted in the Force on May 18, 1992, emphasizing that recent retirements stem from institutional convention rather than political maneuvering.
“Frank Mba’s career advancement followed the structured hierarchy of the Force,” the statement noted. “His rise was earned through competence, seniority, and consistent performance.”
A Scholar in Service
Within the policing community, Mba is widely acknowledged as one of the most academically accomplished officers of his generation.
He obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Lagos and a Master’s degree in Law with distinction from the University of Dundee. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002.
Beyond his legal training, Mba attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico and completed executive programmes at Harvard University and the University of Oxford, focusing on national security and strategic leadership. He is also a Member of the National Institute (mni), having completed the Senior Executive Course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies.
Most recently, he defended his doctoral thesis at the University of Ibadan — a milestone that further cemented his reputation as a “scholar in uniform.”
Recasting the Public Face of the Force
For many Nigerians, Mba became a familiar figure during his multiple tenures as Force Public Relations Officer. At a time when public trust in law enforcement often fluctuated, he was credited with introducing clarity, composure, and measured communication into police briefings.
Observers note that his media engagements were marked by structured messaging and intellectual rigor, particularly during periods of heightened national tension.
Beyond communications, Mba held significant operational roles, including Commissioner of Police in Ogun State and leadership of the Border Patrol Force. He later served as Assistant Inspector-General overseeing the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos.
His service record also includes participation in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia between 2006 and 2007, where he earned a UN Medal.
Legacy Amid Transition
While his statutory retirement is due in April 2027, the current restructuring may accelerate his departure in keeping with Force tradition. CASA emphasized that retirement under such circumstances reflects institutional protocol, not performance evaluation.
As the Nigeria Police Force enters a new chapter under Acting IGP Disu, stakeholders say Mba’s career offers a benchmark for professionalism rooted in knowledge, structure, and institutional loyalty.
In an era when public institutions are frequently scrutinized, his trajectory, supporters argue, stands as evidence that merit, discipline, and intellectual investment still command relevance within Nigeria’s security framework.
