The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the promotion of Assistant Inspector General of Police, Fayoade Adegoke Mustapha, to the prestigious rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), marking a defining moment in his more than three decades of distinguished service to the nation.
The promotion, ratified on Friday, February 20, 2026, followed what the Commission described as an exceptional performance by the senior officer in both the written examination and oral interview stages of the rigorous assessment process.
DIG Fayoade, a member of the National Institute (mni) and holder of the coveted Police Staff College (psc) qualification, enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force in 1992. Over the years, he has carved a reputation for strategic leadership, operational excellence, and innovation in crime-fighting.
Prior to his elevation, he served as the Assistant Inspector General in charge of Zone 2 Command, Lagos, overseeing policing operations across Lagos and Ogun States—two of the country’s most complex and high-pressure security environments.
His tenure was widely commended for strengthening community policing frameworks, deepening collaboration with local stakeholders, and enhancing intelligence-driven response systems.
Among the highlights of his leadership was the successful dismantling of the notorious “Billionaires” Kidnapping Gang, a breakthrough operation that significantly restored public confidence and reinforced internal security in Lagos State.
His service record boasts multiple national and international accolades. Notably, he was named the 2024 Crime Buster of the Year for West and Central Africa. He has also received several Best Police Station in Africa awards in Nairobi, Kenya, as well as Best Divisional Police Officer in West Africa honours presented in Johannesburg and Dubai. International recognition further came through the International Security Award conferred by ISSO-SEC Switzerland and HSIIS United Kingdom.
Chairman of the Commission, Hashimu Salihu Argungu, described the promotion as well-deserved and timely. He urged the newly promoted DIG to view his elevation as a call to higher responsibility, charging him to leverage his extensive experience in technology-driven policing and collaborative security models to further strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to merit-based promotions, discipline, and professionalism within the Force, emphasizing its statutory role in oversight of the Nigeria Police Force, excluding the office of the Inspector-General of Police.
With this elevation, stakeholders within the security community note that the Force stands to benefit from the expertise of a seasoned officer whose career reflects dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to public safety.
