PSC Approves Nine Police Commissioners Appointment [Full List]

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the deployment of nine new Commissioners of Police (CPs) to various State Commands.

The Commission has issued a directive emphasizing that Tactical Units must not overshadow or replace the core functions of recognized Police Departments within the State Commands.

In a statement released by PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission expressed concern over the growing trend of Tactical Units being misused by some Commissioners of Police. This, according to the PSC, has led to the weakening of essential police departments and disrupted the structured chain of command.

PSC’s Directive on Tactical Units

During the selection and interview process for the newly appointed CPs, the Commission underscored the need for strict adherence to police organizational structures. The PSC stressed that while Tactical Units play a crucial role in crime fighting, they should function as supportive arms rather than autonomous entities that diminish the effectiveness of key departments within the State Command Headquarters.

PSC Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Hashimu Argungu, warned the new CPs against the misuse of Tactical Units. He emphasized that these units must operate within the boundaries of their mandates without interfering with the operations of well-established police divisions. He urged the appointees to ensure proper coordination between Tactical Units and conventional police structures for seamless law enforcement.

Newly Appointed Commissioners and Their Postings

The following officers have been appointed as Commissioners of Police and assigned to various state commands:

1. Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba – CP Zamfara (from Kano State)
2. Breret Emmanuel Simon – CP Taraba (from Plateau State)
3. Christopher Ado Emmanuel – CP Yobe (from Niger State)
4. Olusegun Eyitayo Omosayin – CP Cross River (from Ondo State)
5. Adamu Abdullahi Elleman – CP Niger (previously Head of the IGP Monitoring Unit, from Jigawa State)
6. Sani Omolori Aliyu – CP Bauchi (from Kogi State)
7. Bello Shehu – CP Katsina (from Gombe State)
8. Saka Adewale Ajao – CP FCT (from Ogun State)
9. Ojo Adekimi – CP Kwara (from Ekiti State)

Key Expectations from the New Commissioners

The appointment process involved an interactive interview session conducted under the supervision of retired DIG Taiwo Lakanu, who represents the Police at the PSC. Lakanu encouraged the newly appointed CPs to strengthen community policing efforts by fostering collaboration with local stakeholders, including traditional rulers, youth groups, and civil society organizations such as the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).

He further advised them to avoid the creation of unnecessary special squads and instead focus on optimizing the performance of existing police departments. By doing so, they can enhance security operations while maintaining public trust and accountability.

As the newly deployed Commissioners assume office, they are expected to prioritize professionalism, discipline, and strategic engagement with their communities. The PSC has made it clear that effective policing hinges on teamwork and adherence to established structures rather than the arbitrary expansion of Tactical Units.