The Police Service Commission has explained why it has approved the promotion of a former Public Relations Officer of the force, Frank Mba, to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG).

Mba’s new position comes three months after he was appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG).

In response to his promotion PSC’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, stated that Mba is the most senior police officer from the country’s South East zone.

Also promoted is the former CP of FCT Command, Bala Ciroma to the rank of DIG as well as 14 CPs to AIG and 22 DCPs to CPs.

Ani stated that the appointments were made during the commission’s 21st plenary, which was presided over by its Chairman, Solomon Arase.

All members of the commission, including the Permanent Secretary/Secretary to the Commission, Mrs Ifeoma Adaora Anyanwutaku, were present at the meeting.

Ani said, “DIG Ciroma will replace DIG Ali Janga who has retired from Service and had represented the North East geo-political zone in the Police Management team.

“DIG Ciroma, the most senior Officer from the zone will henceforth represent the zone. DIG Mba will represent the South East zone and replace retired DIG John Amadi who before his retirement represented the zone.

“The Commission also approved the promotion of 14 Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Assistant Inspectors General of Police and 22 Deputy Commissioners of Police to the substantive rank of Commissioners.”

The new AIGs are CP Abubakar Lawal; CP Alhassan Aminu; CP Abdul Umar; CP Shettima Zannah; CP Ebong Eyibio Ebong; CP Adepoju Ayiinde Ilori and CP Okon Okon Effiong.

Others are: CP Echeng Eworo Echeng; CP Susan Ukpanukiema Horsfall; CP Bankole Lanre Sikiru; CP Oladimeji Yomi Olarewaju; CP Sani Gwarzo and CP Odama Paul Ojeka.

The 22 Deputy Commissioners of Police promoted to the rank of Commissioners are; DCP Abibo Deinma Reuben; DCP Thomas Abraham Nabhoni; DCP Wakil Abdul Salamai; DCP Enyinnaya Inonachi; DCP Ronke Nurat Okunade; DCP Adekunle Ismail Olusokan; DCP Hassan Abdu Yabnet; DCP Festus Chinedu Oko; DCP Aminu Baba Raji; DCP Omolara Ibidun Oluntola; DCP Akoh Benedict Gabriel; DCP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha; DCP Bafda Magaji Jahun, DCP Ahmadu Tijani Abdullahi; and DCP Mohamned Mu’azu; Others are, DCP Bretet Emmanuel Simon; DCP Ihebom M Chukuma; DCP Shettima Mohamned Qurtu; DCP Olatokunbo Maxwell Olabisi; DCP Yusuf Mohammed Lawal; DCP Monica Leo and DCP Abaniwonda Surajudeen Olufemi.

The Chairman of the Police Service Commission congratulated the officers while urging them to rededicate themselves to the service of Nigeria.

He pledged to ensure that Police Promotions are consistent to prevent stagnation in any rank.