Madu-Jerry Nmeribeh
On Saturday, 21 March 2026, a grand reception was held in honour of Alhaji Mohammed Usaini Gumel, who recently retired as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, after 30 years of meritorious service to his fatherland.
On that day, the great and noble family of Alhaji Abba Ani, of Gumel, Jigawa state, played host to dignitaries from all walks of life, who travelled far and near to celebrate DIG Gumel (rtd), the doyen of Community Policing, who put in his best in serving Nigeria and Nigerians, as a fine, gentle and professional Police Chief.
Yes. The occasion was aptly captioned: It was his elevation to the rank of Deputy Inspector General of Police, but soonest, also retired!
The venue of the occasion, Ali Sa’adu Birnin Kudu Conference Hall, Jigawa State College of Education, Gumel, Jigawa State, was full to the brim.
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The celebration of retired DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel’s 30 years of meritorious service to the Nigeria Police Force was a grand affair in his hometown, Gumel.
Various dignitaries at the event spoke glowingly of his 30-year career in the Nigeria Police Force, marked, specifically, by pioneering community-policing initiatives, successful rehabilitation of over 700 former hoodlums (youths) in Kano, and establishing a technology-driven police division on Dala Hills, Kano, transforming a crime hotspot into a security hub.
Given his impressive achievements in all the states he served as a crime buster, the celebration was a proud moment for the people of Gumel, with dignitaries and community members in attendance.
Governor Malam Umar Namadi of Jigawa State had previously praised Gumel’s achievement, stating that it takes years of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice to reach such heights.
Governor Namadi who served as the Special Guest of Honour during the event joined Alhaji Mohammed Usaini Gumel’s family, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers to celebrate a remarkable milestone — 30 years of honourable service by a distinguished son of Jigawa State.
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According to him, “Mohammed Usaini Gumel’s public service at this level is not merely about holding office; it is about sacrifice, discipline, and unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and the preservation of peace in our society.
Over the course of his distinguished career, DIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, integrity, and leadership.
His contributions to intelligence-led policing, community safety initiatives, and national security coordination reflect a deep understanding of the responsibilities entrusted to law enforcement institutions in safeguarding our democratic society.
For us in Jigawa State, and indeed within the Gumel Emirate, this occasion represents more than a personal celebration.
It is a moment of collective pride in a son of the soil whose achievements exemplify the values of hard work, discipline, and service to humanity. I must also commend the Aba’ari Family for nurturing the values that have shaped this remarkable journey.”
Governor Namadi noted that: “Families remain the foundation upon which responsible leadership and national development are built.
Distinguished guests, at a time when our nation continues to confront complex security challenges, we need leaders who combine professional competence, moral integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the people.
DIG Gumel has consistently demonstrated these qualities throughout his service. As he transitions into the next phase of life, I have no doubt that his experience, wisdom, and leadership will continue to contribute meaningfully to national development and institutional strengthening. On behalf of the Government and the good people of Jigawa State, I extend my warmest congratulations and appreciation for his dedicated service to our state and to our nation.
“It is my sincere prayer that Almighty Allah continues to guide and protect him, granting him good health, wisdom, and strength in the years ahead. May his legacy continue to inspire younger generations to pursue excellence, integrity, and service to our nation.
May Almighty Allah bless this gathering, reward all those who contributed to organising this noble occasion, and continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Indeed, for DIG Gumel (rtd), his achievements earned him recognition from traditional leaders, international partners like the UK Metropolitan Police, and awards such as Nigerian Police Community Policing Advocate of the Year 2024.
Gumel’s leadership emphasises community engagement, intelligence-led policing, and technology integration, making him a model for effective policing.
A scholar per excellence, DIG Gumel (rtd), also used the occasion to reflect on his 30 years of honour, faith and service to Nigeria, Nigerians, and the Nigeria Police Force. For him, it was a precious journey of sacrifice, integrity and faith.
In an emotion-laden speech, he said: “Thirty years ago, when I enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force, I could not clearly see the road ahead. What I knew and what guided me was a simple but powerful calling: “To serve with integrity, faith, and unwavering commitment”.
From my early education at Government Secondary School Karaye, to earning a National Certificate of Education at Advanced Teachers College Gumel (Bayero University Kano), a Bachelor of Education at Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and later a Master of Technology at the Federal University of Technology Minna, education shaped my intellect and broadened my perspective.
At this point, I must confess that learning has disciplined my mind, and policing has disciplined my character. From Cadet to Commissioner.
My formal professional journey began at the Nigeria Police Academy, Annex Kaduna between 1992 and 1994.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving in various operational and strategic assignments across the country, including the Federal Capital Territory, Niger State, Kwara State, Sokoto State, and Kano State.
These postings provided valuable exposure to the realities of policing in a diverse and dynamic society. Police Leadership in Sokoto State:As Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, we confronted serious security challenges including armed robbery networks and organised criminal activities.
“Through intelligence-led policing and strong collaboration with traditional institutions and community leaders, we strengthened security operations and restored confidence in law enforcement.
The Kano Experience:Later, in Kano State, I faced one of the most complex assignments of my career. Through deliberate community policing initiatives and structured rehabilitation strategies, we successfully transformed more than 700 young individuals previously involved in criminal activities into productive members of society.
Today many of them operate businesses, sustain families, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. For me, this remains one of the most precious chapters of my career. This is because, saving a life is greater than arresting one.
Guarding Peace in Critical Moments. The 2023 Kano Governorship Elections represented one of the most sensitive periods in the political life of Kano State. Tensions were high and expectations even higher.
“Through strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and disciplined operational coordination, we ensured a peaceful and violence-free electoral process.
We also professionally managed post-election tensions and carefully navigated the Kano Emirate developments in 2024 with maturity, restraint and professionalism. Peace does not occur by chance.
Peace requires: Preparation, Patience, Professionalism, and prayer. International Service. My service extended beyond the borders of Nigeria. In 2011, I served as Police Unit Commander under the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL).
This experience deepened my understanding of international peacekeeping and post-conflict security management.
Subsequently, within ECOWAS, I served in the Mission Planning and Management Cell and later as Head of Police Component in the Peace Support Operations Division between 2016 and 2021.
In that capacity, we contributed to regional stability in Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia, particularly during delicate democratic transitions.
International Recognition In 2015, during the first-ever New Scotland Yard Commendation Ceremony held in Nigeria, I received recognition from the United Kingdom Metropolitan Police Service for professionalism and international cooperation in a homicide extradition investigation.
“That recognition was not a personal achievement alone. It was a testament to the credibility and professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force on the global stage. Community Policing — A Lifelong Commitment in my subsequent leadership roles as:Assistant Inspector-General of Police Training and Development Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 7 Abuja Assistant Inspector-General of Police Community Policing, Force Headquarters and DIG Force Intelligence Department (FID), Nigeria Police Force Headquarters Abuja. I remained committed to strengthening training standards, deepening accountability, and rebuilding trust between the police and the communities we serve. Being recognised as Community Policing Advocate of the Year (2024) and Community Policing Ambassador was deeply humbling. Yet the greatest reward remains this: “Communities beginning to trust the police again”.Family — My Greatest Strength. Permit me now to speak from the heart. Behind every posting letter was a family that adjusted. Behind every security crisis was a family that prayed. Behind every international mission was a family that waited patiently.My wife carried responsibilities with grace.My children grew with understanding. Our extended family stood as pillars of encouragement.If the uniform stood firm, it is because the home was stable. This anniversary does not belong to me alone. It belongs to every member of my f