Eniola Olayemi
Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Abubakar Adamu Mohammed Lafia has been named as the acting Inspector-General of Police (IG).
Adamu’s appointment reportedly got the blessing of President Muhammadu Buhari, who met with IG Ibrahim Idris, who is expected to bow out of service today after attaining the retirement age of 60.
The appointment came following opposition from some quarters against possible tenure extension for IG Idris, who has also attained the statutory 35 years in service.
It was gathered that the acting IG was selected by the president among three names submitted to him after weeks of shopping for Idris’ replacement.
AIG Adamu, The Nation gathered, is a course mate of Force Secretary AIG Taiwo Lakanu and former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) boss Ibrahim Lamorde.
Until his appointment, the Lafia, Nasarawa State-born Adamu was serving at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
It was gathered that the officer, who, like Idris, spent many years working with the United Nations (UN) and the International Police (INTERPOL), will be officially announced today (Tuesday).
Confirming the development to The Nation, a source close to IG Idris said the decision was taken yesterday.
The source said: “It is true but the announcement has not been made yet. Oga (Idris) retires on Tuesday (today) having clocked 35 years in service. He has done well for the police and brought in many innovations.
“The new IG once served as Deputy Commissioner in Ekiti State Command, among other postings.”
The development confirmed a story exclusively reported by this newspaper on January 10.
The Nation said in the report that the President may not extend IG Idris’ despite pressure from lobbyists.
It reported that the IGP might be directed to hand over to the most senior DIG next week (this week).
A source, who spoke in confidence, told The Nation on January 9: “The President is not likely to extend the tenure of the IGP but he is waiting for the statutory retirement day before making a pronouncement. You know, Buhari is a due process leader.
“The outgoing IG is most likely to hand over to the most senior Deputy Inspector-General of Police pending the appointment of a substantive holder.
“ If Idris leaves, there will be an Acting IGP and this will not affect security arrangement for the general elections So far, the IGP is expected to be preparing his handover note.”
