IGP makes fresh appointment at police HQ amid tenure controversy

Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police (IGP), has appointed Frederick Lakanu as the new force secretary.

In a statement on Tuesday, Jimoh Moshood, police spokesman, said by virtue of the appointment, Lakanu is a member of the force management team.

Moshood said the new appointment is with immediate effect.

“The new Force Secretary has taken over from AIG Abdul Bube, who retired from the Force on 31st December, 2018 after Thirty-Five (35) Years of meritorious service,” the statement read.

“AIG Frederick Taiwo Lakanu, fdc, was born on 12th October, 1959, in Lagos Island, Lagos State. He holds B.A. (Hons) Philosophy and LL.B. (Hons) from one of the foremost Universities in Nigeria, the prestigious University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State, and Master in Law from the Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds, United Kingdom.

“The new Force Secretary is a self-motivated, experienced and versatile law enforcement officer, offering hands-on proven expertise gathered from all geo-political zones of the Country in Community Policing, Strategic Planning, Coordination, Supervision and Implementation, towards achieving higher levels of community service, public safety and security in Nigeria.

“He served in various capacities in the Force as AIG Federal Operations, Force Headquarters, Abuja; Commissioner of Police in Imo and Ekiti States; Commissioner of Police Airport Command, Lagos, Principal Staff Officer to the IGP (Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos) among others.”

“Until his recent appointment, he was the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 7 Headquarters, Abuja comprising the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger and Kaduna States.”

The appointment comes amid the controversy surrounding the IGP’s tenure.

Idris, who was expected to retire on January 3 when he reached the mandatory 35 years in service, is still on seat.

Some Nigerians have, however, argued that he can remain in office till January 15, his 60th birthday.