The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have either exceeded 35 years in service or turned 60 years old, in compliance with the Public Service Rules.
The decision reached during an extraordinary meeting on Friday, signalled a major shake-up within the police force.
However, Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police (IGP), who turned 60 in September last year, remains in office due to an amendment to the Police Act that extended his tenure until 2027.
The retirement directive follows a review of a previous decision made at the PSC’s 24th plenary meeting in September 2017.
At that time, the commission allowed force entrants to have their appointment dates counted from enlistment rather than recruitment, which effectively extended their service period.
In a statement issued by Ikechukwu Ani, its Head of Press and Public Relations, the PSC admitted that the 2017 policy contradicted the principles of public service tenure.
It emphasized that the decision violated Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which mandates retirement upon completing 35 years of service or reaching the age of 60.
“As a result, the commission, at its first extraordinary meeting of the 6th Management Board, held on Friday, 31st January 2025, approved the immediate retirement of those officers who have exceeded these limits,” the statement read.
The enforcement of the retirement rule has effectively purged all officers who are age mates of IGP Egbetokun from the police force. However, his own continued stay in office, enabled by the 2023 amendment to the Police Act, has remained a subject of public debate.
The PSC’s extraordinary meeting was presided over by Hashimu Argungu, Commission’s Chairman, with other members, including Adamu Galumje, retired Supreme Court Justice and others.
The commission has officially communicated its decision to the Inspector-General of Police for immediate implementation.
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