Police Commissioner Ismail Naveen to Retire

The second Commissioner of Police under the current administration, Ismail Naveen, has decided to retire from the force.

Ismail Naveen submitted his letter of retirement, stating that he had been contemplating the decision for some time and believed there would be no definitive right moment to step down.

In a message sent to senior officials of the Maldives Police Service following his formal request for retirement, Naveen said the decision was made after careful and prolonged consideration. He indicated that the matter had been on his mind for a considerable period and that he believed the present moment would allow for a smooth transition of leadership within the service. He also noted that waiting longer would not necessarily present a more suitable time to retire.

Naveen described it as a profound honour to have served the nation and the Maldives Police Service. He was appointed Commissioner in June last year after the sudden retirement of former Commissioner Ali Shujau in April. Shujau’s resignation followed significant public criticism directed at the police over their handling of the investigation into the fall of a young woman from a building.

Prior to his appointment, Naveen served as Interim Commissioner from April until June. He was selected for the post by Mohamed Muizzu from among several applicants, including Deputy Commissioner Farhad Fikry and Assistant Commissioner Ahmed Shameem.