The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have served more than 35 years, and those above 60 years of age.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Head, Press and Public Relations of the PSC, Ikechukwu Ani on Friday.
Ani recalled that the Commission at its 24th plenary meeting of September 27 and 28, 2017 had approved that the Force entrants should have their date of appointment in the Force against the date of their enlistment.
“The Commission has passionately revisited their decision and has come to the conclusion that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of merger of service in the Public Service and it is in violation of Public Service Rule No 020908 ( i & ii) which provides for retirement on attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age.
“Accordingly, the Commission at its 1st extra ordinary meeting of the 6th Management Board held today, Friday, 31st January 2025, approved the immediate retirement of those officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age,” he stated.
Ani added: “The Commission Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu, rtd, mni, presided over the extraordinary Meeting and had Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Hon Commissioner representing the Judiciary; DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, Honourable Commissioner representing the Police and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission in attendance.”
He stressed that the Commission’s decision has been conveyed to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun for implementation.
Recall that IGP Egbetokun turned 60 in September 2024, and the founder of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore has been one of those that called for his retirement as a result of this development, describing his office as “Illegal”.
However, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said that the claims are entirely unfounded and seek to undermine the legitimacy of the IGP’s appointment as well as public confidence in the Force.
Adejobi explained that IGP Egbetokun’s appointment is firmly grounded in law, specifically PART III, Section 7 (6) of the Police Act, 2020 (as amended).
He noted that the provision explicitly states that “the person appointed to the office of the Inspector-General of Police shall hold office for four years.”
The statement partly reads: “Moreover, his appointment was duly ratified by the Police Council, and he has received the requisite confirmation letter from the Presidency, validating his tenure from October 31, 2023, to October 31, 2027, in line with the provisions of Section 8A of the executive bill passed which amended the Police Act, clearly stating that “Any person appointed to the office of Inspector-General of Police shall remain in office until the end of term stipulated in the letter of appointment in line with the provisions of section 7(6) of this Act.”
