News Desk
Police Commissioner Ismail Naveen has stepped down after nearly 32 years in uniform, ending a tenure of less than a year at the helm of the Maldives Police Service. Naveen, appointed in June last year following the abrupt resignation of Commissioner Ali Shujau, informed President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of his decision in a formal letter and made the retirement effective immediately.
In a message to senior officers, Naveen said he had reflected “for days” before concluding that this was the right moment to step aside and allow a smooth transition in leadership. In a social‑media post, he described leaving the service with the same respect and sense of duty he felt when he joined as a young patrol officer in 1994. He called his career “an honour” and said he was proud to have served the institution for more than three decades.
Naveen’s appointment last year came during a period of turbulence. His predecessor, Ali Shujau, resigned suddenly in April and formally retired in 2025 after an 18‑year career that included senior roles in operations, intelligence, training and investigations. His departure was marked with a ceremonial plaque and an official retirement card, honours reserved for commissioners who leave with distinction.
Naveen was one of three shortlisted candidates for the commissioner’s post, alongside Deputy Commissioner Farhad Fikry and Assistant Commissioner Ahmed Shameem. He also faced scrutiny late last year when the Majlis Finance Committee recommended the suspension of several senior officers — including Naveen — over alleged misconduct linked to the police welfare company POLCO. The Majlis has not acted on the recommendation.
The country has undergone two changes in police leadership in just over two years of President Muizzu’s tenure.
