The Nigerian Police have redeployed the controversial Assistant Inspector General of Police, Joseph Mbu, alongside 27 other AIGs. Mr. Mbu was posted to Zone 2, Lagos. The order was given by the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, on Tuesday.

Mr. Mbu, who was in charge of Police Zone 7, which covers Abuja and the neighbouring states, was first the Rivers State Police Commissioner until February, 2014, when he was posted to the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.

In Abuja, he was promoted to the rank of AIG in August, 2014.

Mr. Mbu left Rivers State after months of acrimony with the governor, Chibuike Amaechi.

The governor had accused him of doing the bidding of Patience Jonathan, wife of President Goodluck Jonathan, and attempting to hijack the control of the state.

After his transfer, Mr. Mbu declared himself the “lion” that tamed Rivers State “tiger”, apparently referring to Mr. Amaechi.

In Abuja, Mr. Mbu courted more controversy, first banning protests demanding the release over 200 Chibok school girls abducted by Boko Haram, and later arresting AIT journalist, Amaechi Anakwe.

Last week, Mr. Mbu described himself as a rebel with a good cause, and threatened to “bring down” any community that kills a police personnel.

A statement by the police spokesperson, Emmanuel Ojukwu, said the redeployment of Mr. Mbu and the other AIGs is part of the reorganization of the Nigeria Police Force.

He said the redeployment to various departments, zonal commands and formations of the Force is effective immediately.

Mr. Abba charged the newly promoted officers to be more service-oriented in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

He also urged the public to partner closely with the force in its determination to ensure improved safety and security in Nigeria.

Full postings: