The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the appointment of Banji Lawal, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) as a substantive Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), representing the South West geopolitical zone.
The decision was made during an extraordinary session held on Friday in Abuja.
According to the commission, Lawal, who was previously in charge of Border Patrol at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, succeeds Sylvester Abiodun Alabi.
“Alabi, who represented the South West zone, retired on December 31, 2024, after serving as the DIG in charge of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID)”, it added.
According to the statement, Lawal has held key positions, including Commandant of the Police Training College in Ikeja, Lagos, and Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) in the Ekiti, Abia, and Edo State Commands. His experience spans several states and departments, having served as Area Commander in Uyo, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Nasarawa and Akwa Ibom States, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Finance and Administration) at the ICT Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Lawal has also held positions such as Deputy Registrar at the Central Criminal Registry (CCR) in Lagos, Deputy Commandant of the Police Academy in Wudil, Kano, and Commissioner of Police for General Investigation at the Force CID.
According to Ikechukwu Ani, PSC spokesperson, Lawal underwent written and oral examinations during his appearance before the Commission’s plenary session, which included Hashimu Argungu, the PSC Chairman, (DIG, Rtd.), Justice Paul Adamu Galumje (Rtd.), and Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd. DIG).
During the session, Lawal commended the Nigeria Police Force’s Community Policing program, describing it as a successful initiative that has achieved significant milestones.
The PSC Chairman urged DIG Lawal to make himself an invaluable member of the Police Management Team and wished him success in his new role.
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