The Civic Alliance for Security Accountability (CASA) has commended Deputy Inspector-General of Police Frank Mba, describing him as a disciplined, reform-minded and intellectually distinguished officer who served Nigeria with integrity and professionalism for 34 years.
The group’s remarks come amid significant changes in the leadership structure of the Nigeria Police Force following the retirement of former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and the confirmation of Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police.
With Disu’s confirmation as Acting IGP, about 29 senior officers who rank above him in order of seniority are expected to exit the Force in line with established service rules.
Mba, who joined the Police on May 18, 1992 — the same day as the newly appointed Acting IGP — has completed 34 years of service and would have statutorily retired next April upon reaching the mandatory 35-year service mark.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, CASA Secretary-General Moses Akinlotan said Mba’s career trajectory reflected discipline, merit and institutional loyalty.
“DIG Frank Mba represents the finest ideals of professional policing in Nigeria. In an era when public confidence in institutions is constantly tested, he stood out as an officer who combined intellect, courage and ethical discipline in the discharge of his duties,” Akinlotan stated.
He added that Mba brought depth and professionalism to every assignment, spanning investigations, operations, administration and public communication.
Akinlotan dismissed insinuations in some quarters that Mba was promoted above his seniors, describing such claims as unfounded.
“His rise through the ranks followed due process and the established order of seniority. His career progression was based on merit, experience, continuous academic qualification and competence, not favouritism,” he said.
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Mba, an alumnus of the University of Lagos, earned his LLB (Hons) before proceeding to the Nigerian Law School, Abuja, where he was called to the Bar in 2002. He later obtained a Master’s Degree in Law with Distinction from the University of Dundee.
He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, United States, and holds a Certificate in National and International Security from Harvard University. In 2022, he completed the Senior Executive Course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, becoming a Member of the National Institute, and later attended the Oxford Strategic Leadership Programme at the University of Oxford Business School in 2023.
He recently defended his PhD thesis at the University of Ibadan, further cementing his reputation as what CASA described as a “scholar-practitioner.”
Upon joining the Force in 1992, Mba graduated as the best Cadet Inspector in academics from the Nigeria Police Academy, Kano.
Over the years, he held several key operational and administrative roles, including Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command; Commissioner of Police in charge of the Border Patrol Force at Force Headquarters, Abuja; Area Commander in Ajah and Festac, Lagos; and Assistant Commissioner of Police at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti-Yaba, Lagos.
He also served at the Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi; Force CID Annex, Kaduna; State CID, Umuahia; and Zone XI Headquarters, Oshogbo.
A three-time Force Public Relations Officer, Mba became one of the most recognisable spokespersons of the Nigeria Police, shaping crisis communication and public engagement during challenging periods.
He was part of Nigeria’s contingent to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia between 2006 and 2007 and received the UN Medal for his service.
He later served as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos, and is a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, as well as a member of several international professional bodies.
According to Akinlotan, Mba’s blend of academic excellence and global exposure distinguished him among his peers and set a benchmark for younger officers.
“At a time when Nigeria needs disciplined leadership in its security institutions, DIG Mba’s record stands as evidence that merit, learning and dedication still count. His service has been anchored on respect for the rule of law and institutional loyalty,” he said.
The civil society group urged police authorities to preserve institutional memory and consolidate reforms introduced by officers of Mba’s generation.
“Retirement is a statutory process, not a verdict on performance. For DIG Frank Mba, history will record a career marked by integrity, professionalism, sophistication, discipline and commitment to national service,” Akinlotan added.
CASA also extended its goodwill to Acting IGP Tunji Disu, wishing him a successful tenure as he assumes leadership of the Force amid ongoing structural transitions.