The Police Service Commission has approved the promotion of Assistant Inspector General Fayoade Mustapha to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police.

The decision was reached on Friday, February 20, 2026, following Mustapha’s performance in the Commission’s written examination and oral interview.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission’s spokesman, Torty Kalu, said the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), charged the new DIG to see his promotion as a call to higher responsibility.

He expressed confidence that Mustapha’s experience in technology-driven policing and stakeholder engagement would contribute to improved national security.

“The Police Service Commission has approved the promotion of AIG Fayoade Mustapha to the rank of DIG.

“The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (retd.), charged the new DIG to view his promotion as a call to greater responsibility.

“He expressed confidence that DIG Fayoade’s expertise in technology-driven policing and stakeholder partnership will significantly strengthen the nation’s security architecture,” the statement partly read.

Mustapha, who joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1992, has over three decades of service. Until his promotion, he served as AIG in charge of Zone 2 Command, Lagos, where he oversaw community policing initiatives and operations that led to the dismantling of the “Billionaires” kidnapping gang in the state.

His career record includes national and international recognitions, including the 2024 Crime Buster of the Year for West and Central Africa, awards for Best Police Station in Africa, Best Divisional Police Officer in West Africa, and international security honours from institutions in Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

The Police Service Commission is the statutory body responsible for the appointment, promotion, and discipline of officers of the Nigeria Police Force, excluding the Inspector-General of Police, and for setting policies to enhance the effectiveness of the Force.

Recently, the commission also approved the promotion of 26,119 Inspectors to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police II, alongside the elevation of senior officers to higher ranks. (The PUNCH)

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