The Inspector-General of Police (IGP Kayode Egbetokun) has sparked controversy following his directive to halt the implementation of the Police Service Commission (PSC)’s recent retirement order for officers who have attained 35 years of service or 60 years of age.
The PSC had earlier directed that all affected officers should proceed on immediate retirement, citing Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which mandates that public servants retire after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age.
However, in a wireless message from the Force Secretary’s office dated February 5, 2025, the IGP instructed affected officers to ignore the PSC directive until further notice, stating:
“INGENPOL strongly directs all officers affected by the PSC’s directive to stay action, pending further directive. This directive should be strictly complied with.”
Retired Senior Officers React
The IGP’s counter-order has been met with strong opposition from retired senior police officers, including former Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), and Commissioners of Police (CPs), who argue that the PSC’s directive aligns with civil service rules and should be upheld.
PSC: IGP Has Not Rejected the Decision
The PSC’s spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, clarified that the IGP has not outrightly rejected the directive but may be delaying implementation for internal administrative reasons.
“The IGP said officers should hold on for further directives. This does not contradict the commission’s decision; perhaps he wants to put something in place.”
Retired Officers Call IGP’s Move Self-Preservation
Many retired officers believe that the IGP’s reluctance to enforce the PSC order is driven by self-interest, as he himself may be affected by the retirement directive.
A Retired AIG Criticizes the Move
A retired Assistant Inspector General (AIG) who chose to remain anonymous criticized the delay:
“The Force keeps finding itself in awkward situations. These officers should be allowed to retire quietly. The military enforces retirements without such back-and-forth.”
He added that many officers benefited from promotions over their peers, and should accept their exit rather than challenge it.
“Most force entrants leave after 35 years or at 60. Why the debate now? The PSC’s order is clear.”
A Retired DIG: IGP Has No Power Over PSC
Another retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) stated that the IGP lacks the authority to override the PSC on retirement matters.
“The IGP cannot stop the implementation of the PSC order. What we are hearing is that vested political interests are interfering.”
A Retired CP: Counter-Order Will Kill Morale
A retired Commissioner of Police (CP) from northern Nigeria said the IGP’s directive would harm morale in the force.
“The IGP’s counter-order will kill morale. Nepotism is worsening, and it’s alarming.”
A Retired AIG: Favoritism Will Weaken the Force
A retired AIG from the South-West added that favoritism would erode the force’s effectiveness.
“This move prioritizes personal interests over professionalism. It will lead to demoralization.”
Affected Officers Take PSC to Court
Several officers impacted by the PSC directive have filed lawsuits against the commission, seeking recall or compensation for early retirement.
One of the plaintiffs said:
“The lawsuit challenges the directive and could escalate tensions between the PSC and the police hierarchy.”
Legal Argument: Police Act vs. Civil Service Rule
Some legal experts argue that the Police Act does not explicitly set a retirement age or service duration but allows retired officers to be re-engaged with IGP approval.
“There is a proposal to create a separate retirement framework for the police. The Act provides room for re-engagement.”
Conclusion: A Brewing Leadership Crisis
The standoff between the IGP and the PSC could escalate into a full-blown leadership crisis, as senior officers push back against perceived political interference. The outcome of the legal challenge could determine whether the PSC’s order stands or if the IGP succeeds in delaying enforcement.
For now, police officers across Nigeria remain uncertain about their retirement fate, awaiting a final directive from the highest levels of government.
