Suleiman Abba Takes Over As New Police IG

Handing over: Left-incoming IG Suleiman Abba, Right-retired IG Abubakar

Following the appointment of Ag. IGP Suleiman Abba, NPM, NPOM, mni as the 17th Indigenous Inspector-General of Police by President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, the new Inspector-General of Police has today, August 1, 2014 formally taken over from former Police boss, IGP MD Abubakar (Rtd) who had successfully piloted the affairs of the Force from 25th January, 2012 when he was appointed to July 31, 2014, having completed 35 years of service.

The new IGP who hails from Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State holds degrees in History and Law and has attended several management and security courses within and outside Nigeria. He is an alumnus of the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos.

Already known for his vast experience in criminal investigation, intelligence-led policing and crime-fighting operations, the new IGP is ably set to add a new tempo in dealing with the present challenges of terrorism, insurgency and other violent crimes in the country.

The former Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, psc enjoined the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to extend maximum cooperation to the new IGP whom he described as a very competent and committed officer that can take the Force to a greater height.

In his maiden speech following the remarkable hand-over ceremonies, the new IGP promises to intensify the fight against crime in addition to upgrading the very high standards of performance for which the Nigeria Police Force is nationally and internationally acclaimed.

The IGP thanked the President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR for reposing confidence in him and granting him a golden opportunity to serve Nigeria as the IGP.

While assuring the general public of his administration’s readiness to place a high priority on the creation of a safe and secure environment for all citizens and to transform the Nigeria Police Force into “a leading national, professional and efficient law enforcement organization”, the IGP calls for the cooperation of all Nigerians in the service of the country.

The IGP, who until his appointment was the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 7 comprising the FCT, Kaduna and Niger Police Commands, enlisted into the Force as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in December, 1984. In the course of three decades of service to the nation and the Police Force, IGP Suleiman Abba has crisscrossed the entire length and breadth of the nation. He was Commissioner of Police Rivers State 2009 – 2012. He was Commissioner of Police in Lagos State during the 2011 general elections and was the Deputy Force Secretary twice both as Commissioner of Police and as a Deputy Commissioner of Police. Other responsibilities he performed include: Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP Kano State Command 2007 – 2008, Deputy Commissioner of Police Kebbi 2006 – 2007. He was also the Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the Head of State, (Office of the First Lady) 1995 – 1998 and the Commanding Officer of both 24 PMF (Presidential Escort) and 21 PMF Mobile Police Squadron Abuja. He has earned for himself several awards and commendations including the National Merit Award.