President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has appointed Ismail Naveen as the new Commissioner of Police (CP).

The appointment was formalised at a special ceremony held this afternoon at the President’s Office, where President Dr Muizzu presented Naveen with the official insignia of office.

Naveen’s appointment follows an open selection process during which three senior officers — Deputy Commissioner (DCP) Farhad Fikree, Assistant Commissioner Ahmed Shameem, and Deputy Commissioner Naveen himself — were shortlisted and interviewed by the Police Board. The Board concluded that all three candidates met the eligibility criteria outlined in the Police Act.

According to the law, the President appoints the CP based on the recommendation of the Home Minister, who reviews the Police Board’s report before advising the President.

Having joined the Police Service in 2006, Naveen has held several key leadership roles, including Head of the Corporate Services Directorate, People Directorate, Central Policing Command, and Forensic Services Directorate. Prior to his appointment, he served as DCP and assumed temporary leadership of the force following former CP Ali Shujau’s resignation.

He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Southern Queensland, Australia, and a Bachelor of Law from the University of Northumbria, England.