Policing is one of the noble professions in the world; one of the most revered public offices to be occupied in any nation. In Africa’s Most populous nation, Nigeria; some bad eggs have dented the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
However, despite all the negativity that has characterized the Nigerian Police Force, the institution has churned out countless number of police men and women who exemplify nobility, stewardship and professionalism.
Very recently, the Police Service Commission approved the promotion of its members; one that stood out for us at the Public Sector Global was that of Frank Mba, who is currently one of the nation’s Assistant Inspector Generals.
Frank Mba amongst others has carved a niche for him self and raised the bar high of excellence in the profession, as he has doggedly stuck to the rudiments of the job.
Beginning his career in 1999 as an Assistant Superintendent of Police( ASP), he climbed the ranks and gained more prominence when he was appointed the Police Public Relations officer for Lagos state.
The Nigerian police force saw a positive light after Frank Mba became PPRO for Lagos state, as he came on the scene with finesse. He was fearless, timely with information, highly analytical and diplomatic.
His dexterity on the job was unquestionable and his name spread like wildfire.
His selfless and diplomatic nature endeared him to the Nigerian media and newsmakers. He was always available to resolve issues and mitigated crisis almost effortlessly. Attributes that further placed him above his peers and prepared him for bigger roles.
In the year 2014, former IGP M.D Abubakar appointed him Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) for the Nigerian Police force, and again his eloquence and diplomacy distinguished him from all other Public Relations Officers of the force. It is on record that Frank was the 24th Force PRO of Nigeria Police since its inception.
Frank has served in different capacities in the Nigerian police force, including; Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in the year 1999, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) – 2003, Superintendent of Police (SP) – 2006, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) – 2012, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) – 2019 and Commissioner of Police (CP) – 2020.
The undisputable Frank Mba went off the scene for a while, until he was appointed by the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba as the Commissioner of Police for Ogun State. Occupying such a position, Frank was proactive as men of the Ogun State police command were happy that they have a boss who is a good listener. Within a short while, he recorded unprecedented success as the crime in Ogun state reduced to the barest minimum.
His tenure is currently a nightmare to criminals in Ogun as the new Sheriff in town has been a thorn in their flesh. His recent promotion to the rank of Commissioner of Police for Ogun State is an indication that his years of hard work has indeed paid off. His police career and astronomic rise in the police have positioned him for greater challenges and commitment.
Frank Mba, a Commissioner of Police, who has an unquestionable zeal for academics and an insatiable hunger for knowledge, is a graduate of Law from the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and was called to the Nigerian bar in 2022.
He is also an alumnus of the University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom where he earned a Master’s Degree in Law. As an IVLP scholar, he holds a Diploma in Police Strategic Management from the University of Virginia, USA. He is also a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy (FBINA) Quantico, Virginia, USA.
He equally holds a Certificate in National and International Security from Harvard University, USA. Hailing from Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Frank Mba enrolled at the Nigeria Police Academy, Kano where he had his initial police trainings after obtaining his First School leaving Certificate. He graduated as the best cadet inspector in academics at the Police Academy, Kano, in 1993.
Frank Mba attended some Law Enforcement training, both within and outside Nigeria. These include; Countering Violent Extremism and Police Leadership Course at the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), Roswell, New Mexico, USA (2018); Strategic Leadership and Command Course, Police Staff College, Jos (2017); Crisis and Disaster Management Course, Israel (2013); Managing the Media in Crisis Situations, School of Media and Communications, Pan Atlantic University, Lagos (2013); US-sponsored International Visitor Leadership Program, with special focus on International Crime Issues, Washington DC (2010); General Criminal Investigation Course at the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), Botswana (2009); and Middle Management Course on Global Peace Operations in Vicenza, Italy (2008).
The Inspector General of Police also nominated him to participate in the professional course for police officers at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Jos.
Due to his hardwork and determination in the security industry, Frank Mba won the prestigious UN Peacekeeping Medal during his sojourn with the United Nations.
Additionally, in terms of his affiliation, Frank was an Ex-member of the Nigeria Police Contingent to the United Nations Peace-Keeping Mission in Liberia between 2006 and 2007.
Known as a passionate police officer, an astute crime fighter and a veteran Public Relations Practitioner, Frank Mba, the man at the heart of everyone is currently the Commissioner of Police for Ogun State and an Assistant Inspector General of Police.
By Carol Opata
