DIG Hashimu Argungu Assumes Leadership at PSC -By Aliyu Abubakar

The recent change in leadership at the Police Service Commission (PSC), the oversight body responsible for monitoring the Nigerian Police Force, has generated quite a lot of attention in the media. A press statement from Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Spokesman for President Bola Tinubu, confirmed the appointment of DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd) as the new Chairman of the PSC. DIG Hashim will over from Dr. Solomon Arase, a former Inspector-General of Police.

President Tinubu’s approval also extended to Chief Onyemuche Nnamani as Secretary and DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd) as a Commission Member. However, these appointments are pending confirmation by the Senate.

Anticipation surrounds the imminent appointment of additional Commission members, indicating a pivotal moment for leadership within the PSC and signaling potential reforms within the Nigerian Police Force.

Meet DIG Hamisu Argungu, the Newly Appointed PSC Chairman

Born on July 10th, 1957, Argungu commenced his journey in the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet ASP in 1984, retiring in 2016 with the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG). With over 32 years of experience in policing and security, Argungu boasts an impressive academic background, including a Masters of Laws (LL.M), Barrister at Laws (B.L), Bachelor of Law (LL.B), Bachelor of Arts Education (B.A.ED), Nigeria Certificate in Education (N.C.E), and Grade II Teachers’ Certificate.

His professional development includes participation in various courses such as Policy and Strategic Studies at NIPSS, Kuru Jos, and an International Banking Laundering Course at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centre, Gaborone, Botswana. Additionally, he completed a Public Corruption Certificate Course with the U.S.A. Department of Justice, a Higher Management Certificate Course at ASCON, Lagos, and an Advanced Detective Course at the Police Staff College, Jos.

Argungu held significant roles within the Nigeria Police Force, including Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Department of Training and Development, Assistant Inspector-General of Police at Zone 5 Command Headquarters in Benin, and Commissioner of Police in Jigawa State, Ogun State, and Airport Command, Ikeja, Lagos. He also served as Deputy Commissioner of Police, Legal and Prosecution Services FCID FHQ Abuja, and as Head of the Investigation Department (HOD) at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Abuja, on secondment.

Argungu’s expertise extends beyond his operational roles, as he is a regular presenter at various national and state summits, delivering lectures on Security, Investigation and Intelligence, Leadership, Professional Ethics, and Code of Conducts. Notable among these events include his participation as a lead Discussant at the Lagos-Kano Economic & Investment Summit 2018 and as a discussant at the 2nd Annual Retreat for the Sokoto State Government Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries, and Directors at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies.

With this rich and intimidating profile and vast experience in both public and private sectors, there is no doubt in his capacity to bring the much-needed change and reform to the Police Service Commission. With support from stakeholders including government officials, law enforcement agencies, and civil society organizations, DIG Hashimu Argungu is poised to lead the PSC with integrity, transparency, and a commitment to improving the effectiveness and accountability of the Nigerian Police Force.

Aliyu Isah writes from Abuja.