Over 340 police officers retire as IGP panel ends probe

Over 340 police officers retire as IGP panel ends probe

Over 340 officers and personnel from the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have retired following the submission of a report by a disciplinary committee that investigated their prolonged service in the force.

The committee, formed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, convened between Monday and Tuesday at the Force’s Louis Edet headquarters in Abuja, with support from the Force Management in screening the affected personnel.

While it’s unclear whether the officers voluntarily chose to retire to avoid possible sanctions, some of them had allegedly resisted retirement despite having either reached 60 years of age or completed 35 years of service.

A source close to the committee confirmed that among those affected was Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Benneth Igweh, who headed Zone 7. He has officially handed over to Mohammed Gumel, the new AIG of Zone 7 based in Abuja. Also affected were two Commissioners of Police and a senior police lawyer, among others.

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The committee reportedly completed its screening process on Tuesday, resulting in the retirement of over 340 officers, many of whom are senior-ranking officers. Some of those who were aware they should have retired last year also proceeded with their retirement. The source suggested that no punitive actions were taken against those retiring, although some officers had previously transitioned from rank-and-file positions to senior roles without attending the police academy, violating the standard procedure.

According to the rules, to rise to a senior officer rank, officers must first resign from their lower rank. Many affected officers had continued to operate across both rank levels, which led to their disqualification from continuing in service.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) had earlier this month mandated the immediate retirement of senior police officers who either exceeded 35 years in service or were older than 60. This directive follows a 2017 decision that required NPF entrants’ appointment dates to be recorded on their files. The commission recently concluded that the earlier decision conflicted with public service rules and ordered the retirements in line with Public Service Rule No 020908, which stipulates retirement upon reaching 35 years of service or 60 years of age.

The PSC’s decision, conveyed to the IGP, followed approval at the commission’s 6th Management Board meeting on January 31, 2025.

Although the decision has faced criticism, particularly in light of IGP Egbetokun’s tenure extension by President Bola Tinubu, the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), clarified that the president’s actions were legally sound.

Attempts to reach the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, for comment were unsuccessful.

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