The Police Service Commission (PSC) has directed the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have served for more than 35 years or have reached the age of 60. This decision comes amid ongoing controversy regarding the tenure of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who recently turned 60.
Despite the directive, both the Nigeria Police Force and the Attorney General of the Federation have defended Egbetokun’s continued stay in office, arguing that it remains lawful.
In a statement issued on Friday, PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, noted that the commission had reviewed and overturned a policy decision made during its 24th plenary meeting in September 2017. That previous decision had allowed officers to use their enlistment date rather than their initial appointment date when determining retirement.
“The Police Service Commission rose from its first extraordinary meeting with the approval for the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age,” Ani stated.
“The commission has passionately revisited their decision and has concluded that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of the merger of service in the public service and violates Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which provides for retirement on attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age,” Ani added.
Following this decision, Ani confirmed that the directive has been formally communicated to the Inspector General of Police for immediate enforcement.
The meeting where the decision was made was presided over by the PSC Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Hashimu Argungu. Other officials in attendance included retired Supreme Court Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, representing the judiciary; retired DIG Taiwo Lakanu, representing the police; and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, the Commission Secretary.
