The Nigeria Police Force has appointed Deputy Commissioner of Police Aliyu Abubakar as the new head of the Inspector-General of Police Monitoring Unit at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, replacing Akin Fakorede, according to an internal police communication.
The directive, circulated from NIGPOL FORSEC in Abuja to police formations nationwide, said the posting was ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, as part of ongoing administrative adjustments within the force.
The message confirmed that Abubakar would head the IGP Monitoring Unit, a key department responsible for supervising operations and ensuring compliance with directives across police commands.
In a related development, Deputy Commissioner Anthony Okon Placid has been appointed as the new Force Public Relations Officer, replacing Assistant Commissioner of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, who had served as the police spokesperson.
Fakorede, who was appointed to lead the monitoring unit in December 2024 by former Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, had faced criticism from civil society groups over allegations linked to his tenure as a commander in the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Human rights advocates previously raised concerns about accusations of brutality and extrajudicial killings during his time with the unit.
Fakorede was also publicly criticised by Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, who accused him of misconduct and election interference during his time as a SARS commander in Rivers State.
The latest changes come amid broader efforts by the police leadership to reorganize key positions at the Force Headquarters.
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