The Police Service Commission (PSC) has mandated the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have either surpassed 35 years of service or are over 60 years old. This decision aligns with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which stipulates retirement upon reaching these milestones.
This directive notably affects officers who are contemporaries of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun. Despite turning 60 in September 2024, IGP Egbetokun continues to serve, owing to a recent amendment to the Police Act that extends the tenure of the IGP to a four-year term, even if the incumbent reaches the retirement age during this period.
The PSC’s decision has been officially communicated to the IGP for prompt implementation. This move has sparked discussions regarding the tenure extension of the IGP, with some legal experts debating its legality. The Attorney-General of the Federation has affirmed that IGP Egbetokun’s continued service is lawful, citing the recent amendment to the Police Act as the legal basis for his extended tenure.
In response to criticisms, the Nigeria Police Force has refuted claims challenging the legitimacy of IGP Egbetokun’s appointment, labeling such assertions as baseless and aimed at undermining public confidence in the police institution.
This development underscores the ongoing discourse surrounding retirement policies within the Nigerian Police Force, especially concerning high-ranking officials and the implications of recent legislative amendments on their service tenures.
