The ongoing dispute between the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, and the Police Service Commission (PSC) over the compulsory retirement of senior police officers has generated significant controversy within Nigeria’s law enforcement community and beyond.
The PSC had issued a directive mandating that all officers who have completed 35 years of service or reached the age of 60 must proceed on immediate retirement in line with the Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii). However, in a move that has sparked division, the IGP reportedly instructed the affected officers to disregard the directive, stating that they should wait for further instructions from his office.
The directive from the IGP, communicated through a wireless message from the Force Secretary’s office on February 5, 2025, read: “INGENPOL strongly directs all officers affected by the PSC’s directive to stay action, pending further directive. This directive should be strictly complied with.”
This apparent contradiction has led to mixed reactions among police officers, retired security officials, and stakeholders in Nigeria’s law enforcement system. While some see it as an attempt to undermine the authority of the PSC, others argue that the IGP may have legitimate concerns that need to be addressed before implementing mass retirements.
PSC Responds, Denies IGP's Defiance
In response to the controversy, the PSC has stated that the IGP’s directive should not be viewed as a rejection of its decision. PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani sought to downplay the issue, explaining that there was no conflict between the two institutions.
Speaking in an interview with Vanguard, Ani said: “We have communicated this to the IGP. I saw the signal you are referring to. It only mentions that the IGP has asked the officers to hold on for further directives. I do not think this contradicts our decision. There may be something he wants to put in place. I don’t see this as him rejecting the commission’s directive.”
Retired Officers Strongly Oppose IGP’s Stance
Despite the PSC’s clarification, some retired senior police officers, including former Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), and Commissioners of Police (CPs), have expressed strong disapproval of the IGP’s intervention. Many believe that the IGP’s directive violates established civil service rules and sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine discipline and order within the force.
Retired AIG Criticizes IGP’s Position
A retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), speaking anonymously, said: “It’s unfortunate that the Nigeria Police Force keeps finding itself in such awkward situations. The officers in question should have been allowed to retire quietly without this unnecessary back-and-forth.”
He further stated: “The Military has been retiring their officers without controversy, so why should the police be different? These officers were promoted ahead of their peers who were putting in hard work on active duty. Now, they want to hold on to their positions indefinitely, citing technicalities. The Public Service Rules are clear—after 35 years of service or at age 60, you must retire.”
Retired DIG: "The IGP Cannot Override the PSC"
A retired Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) also weighed in, insisting that the IGP does not have the authority to countermand a decision made by the PSC regarding retirements.
He said: “The IGP has no power over the PSC in matters of retirement. The commission is the only body constitutionally empowered to determine the career progression of police officers, including their exit from service.”
He further alleged that “certain vested interests may be influencing this decision for political reasons. The long-term impact of these decisions on the institution will be negative.”
Retired CP Warns of Low Morale Among Officers
A retired Commissioner of Police (CP) from the northern region also voiced concerns, warning that the IGP’s directive could lead to widespread demoralization among officers.
He stated: “The IGP’s counter-order is a terrible decision. It undermines discipline and structure within the force. Favoritism in promotions and appointments has already worsened, and now we are seeing clear disregard for existing policies.”
Affected Officers Threaten Legal Action Against PSC
Meanwhile, some Commissioners of Police who were forced to retire despite not having reached the age of 60 have indicated their intention to challenge the decision legally.
One of the affected officers stated: “The IGP’s position is tied to his own interests. If the PSC’s directive stands, there will be pressure for him to retire as well, since he is also affected by the same retirement rules.”
A retired CP, identified simply as Okey, noted that the situation was becoming even more complicated due to a lack of clarity in the law.
He explained: “The law does not explicitly state a fixed retirement age for police officers. Instead, it includes a provision that allows for the re-engagement of retired officers based on the IGP’s recommendation. This loophole is what has led to the current controversy.”
Future Implications and Calls for Reform
With the ongoing dispute, there have been renewed calls for a review of the police retirement policy to avoid similar controversies in the future.
Legal experts and security analysts suggest that clear and unambiguous guidelines should be established to differentiate police retirement rules from general civil service regulations.
As tensions continue to rise, the coming days will likely determine the final outcome of this dispute. With lawsuits now in motion, the judiciary may be forced to intervene to settle the matter once and for all.