DIG Frank Mba Lauded for 34-Year Stellar Career Amid Police Leadership Transition
Following the recent shake-up in the hierarchy of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Civic Alliance for Security Accountability (CASA) has paid glowing tribute to outgoing Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Frank Mba, describing him as a “scholar-practitioner” whose 34-year career represents a benchmark of integrity, professionalism, and intellectual depth in policing.
The commendation comes as Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, assumes office as the Acting Inspector-General of Police, succeeding Kayode Egbetokun. In line with established service traditions within the Force, the appointment of a new IGP often triggers the retirement of senior officers who are either of the same course or senior in rank. In the current transition, about 29 senior officers are expected to exit the Force.
Career Anchored on Merit
In a statement issued on Wednesday, CASA Secretary-General, Moses Akinlotan, dismissed insinuations circulating on social media that DIG Mba’s career progression was driven by favoritism.
He clarified that Mba and the new Acting IGP, Disu, both enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992.
“DIG Frank Mba embodies the finest ideals of professional policing,” Akinlotan stated. “Contrary to claims by some critics, his advancement through the ranks strictly followed due process and the established order of seniority. His elevation was a product of merit, experience, and academic excellence.”
A Distinguished Academic and Professional Profile
Widely regarded as one of the most academically accomplished officers in the history of the NPF, DIG Mba’s credentials reflect a rare blend of scholarship and operational expertise.
His academic attainments include a Bachelor of Laws (LLB Hons) from the University of Lagos and a Master’s Degree in Law with Distinction from the University of Dundee, Scotland. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2002.
He is also an alumnus of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Harvard University’s programme on National and International Security, and the University of Oxford’s Strategic Leadership course.
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Domestically, he is a Member of the National Institute (mni), having completed the Senior Executive Course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru. He recently defended his PhD thesis at the University of Ibadan, further cementing his reputation as a consummate scholar in uniform.
Redefining Police Communication
To many Nigerians, Mba is best remembered for his tenure as Force Public Relations Officer—a role he held three times. According to CASA, he redefined police communication by introducing clarity, composure, and strategic messaging during periods of heightened national tension.
“His public briefings reflected intellectual rigor and calm professionalism, even in moments of crisis,” the statement noted.
Beyond public communication, Mba held key operational positions, including Commissioner of Police in Ogun State and the Border Patrol Force. He later served as Assistant Inspector-General in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.
His international exposure includes service in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia between 2006 and 2007, for which he received a UN Medal.
Preserving Institutional Memory
As DIG Mba prepares for his statutory retirement—scheduled for April 2027 or earlier in line with the current leadership transition—CASA urged the new police leadership to preserve the intellectual capital and institutional memory represented by officers of his generation.
“Retirement is a statutory process, not a judgment on performance,” Akinlotan emphasized. “In the case of DIG Frank Mba, history will record a career marked by sophistication, discipline, and uncommon dedication to national service. His journey affirms that merit and diligence still have a place in public institutions.”
The Alliance also congratulated Acting IGP Tunji Disu on his appointment, expressing hope that he would consolidate ongoing reforms and build upon the professional standards upheld by Mba and his contemporaries.
As the Nigeria Police Force navigates a new chapter in its leadership, observers say Mba’s legacy underscores the enduring value of competence, scholarship, and principled service in strengthening national security institutions.
By PRNigeria
