Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector General of Police, IGP, has instructed all police officers affected by the recent directive from the Police Service Commission (PSC) not to obey the order.
The PSC had directed officers who have served 35 years or reached 60 years of age to retire immediately.
A wireless message from the office of the Force Secretary, dated February 11, 2025, stated that the IGP “strongly directs all officers affected by the PSC’s directive to stay action, pending further instruction.” Officers were told to comply strictly with this order.
But the High Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Thursday stated that there has been no categorical directive from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, regarding the recent order by the Police Service Commission (PSC) instructing senior officers who have reached the age of 60 or completed 35 years of service to proceed on immediate retirement.
This clarification comes in response to media reports suggesting otherwise.
Last week, PSC spokesman Ikechukwu Ani explained that the commission’s order followed a review of its previous stance from the 24th plenary meeting in September 2017, allowing force entrants to use their enlistment date rather than their initial appointment date.
The commission cited inconsistencies with Public Service Rule No. 020908, which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age.
However, the PSC clarified that it does not have the constitutional authority to determine the appointment or retirement of IGP Egbetokun.
