Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of Operations, Ari Mohammed Ali, has vehemently denied claims that he was discharged from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) due to allegations of age falsification and violations of service rules. In a statement issued over the weekend by his media aide, Ibrahim Anas Alemani, the former DIG clarified that he retired from the force on his own merit, completing his service without blemish.
The statement comes in response to recent reports circulating that Ali’s retirement was not voluntary but a result of serious allegations. These claims, according to the statement, are entirely misleading and appear to be part of a deliberate attempt to tarnish his well-established reputation.
DIG Ali, whose career spanned over three decades, expressed his dismay over the malicious nature of the rumors. He emphasized that he had served with integrity and distinction throughout his time in the Nigeria Police Force. “He served in various capacities in the Nigeria Police Force excellently and would not want to be drawn into such malicious and mischievous publications,” the statement said.
The retired officer’s media aide went on to outline his extensive and decorated career within the police force, aiming to set the record straight for the public, his supporters, and to prevent further misinformation. “To avoid any doubt and for the public and his supporters not to be misled, it is important to put the record straight,” the statement added.
DIG Ari Mohammed Ali’s career began on March 3, 1990, when he enlisted as a member of Course 16 Cadet ASP. He received his training at the elite Police Academy in Kaduna State, where he began building the foundation of what would become a highly respected career in law enforcement. Over the years, he served in various capacities across Nigeria, making significant contributions to the safety and security of various states.
His service took him to diverse locations, including Delta, Bayelsa, Lagos, Rivers, Kano States, and the Police Staff College in Jos. In each of these roles, Ali distinguished himself as a dedicated and effective officer, garnering numerous awards for his leadership, dedication, and results in the field. His service as the Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations in Lagos State for three years was particularly noteworthy, earning him the prestigious Security Watch Africa Award of Excellence as the Best Operations Officer in African security in 2018.
When he was posted as the 20th Commissioner of Police in Delta State from 2021 to 2023, Ali’s leadership helped transform the state into one of the safest in Nigeria. His ability to tackle security challenges and his dedication to community safety were widely praised during this period.
Ali’s hard work and achievements in Delta led to his promotion to Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in 2023, where he was posted to Zone 2 in Lagos. Later, he was deployed to the Force Headquarters as AIG of Community Policing in January 2024. He continued to excel in his roles, contributing immensely to improving police-community relations and the overall efficiency of law enforcement in Nigeria.
His career reached a peak when he was promoted to Deputy Inspector General of Police in November 2024, tasked with overseeing the Operations Department at the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. DIG Ari Mohammed Ali retired on March 1, 2025, after fulfilling the mandatory retirement age of 60 and completing 35 years of service.
Throughout his career, DIG Ari was recognized for his outstanding contributions to policing and security. He was honored with several prestigious awards, including the National Association of Crime Reporters Award as the Most Outstanding Commissioner of Police in 2021. Furthermore, in 2022, he was recognized at the Africa Security Watch Conference in Banjul, where he received the award for the Most Outstanding Crime-Busting Police Chief in West Africa.
In addition to his remarkable career in policing, Ali holds a PhD from Irish University, Pembroke Square, United Kingdom, further showcasing his dedication to personal and professional development. His academic achievements complemented his extensive experience in law enforcement, reinforcing his standing as one of Nigeria’s most respected police officers.
Ali’s media aide made it clear that the former DIG’s retirement was based on fulfilling the required conditions of age and years of service, not due to any allegations or misconduct. The statement pointed out that the rumors of age falsification and violation of service rules were baseless and aimed solely at damaging the good name of a highly regarded officer.
DIG Ali has expressed his desire to avoid engaging in unnecessary public disputes, preferring instead to focus on his legacy and the positive impact he made throughout his career. However, given the nature of the allegations and their potential to mislead the public, he felt it necessary to address the misinformation directly.
It is important to note that in a country where public figures, particularly those in law enforcement, are often the subject of unfounded rumours and attacks, it is essential for individuals to clarify their records when necessary. In this case, DIG Ali’s statement serves as a firm rebuttal to the misleading stories surrounding his retirement.
