The Police Service Commission (PSC) has mandated the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have served for more than 35 years or are older than 60.
This was declared at an extraordinary meeting, presided over by PSC Chairman DIG Hashimu Argungu (retired), on Friday.
The meeting had key officials in attendance, including Justice Adamu Paul Galumje (retired), DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retired), and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.
This directive is set to impact numerous high-ranking officials, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, whose tenure has faced scrutiny following his 60th birthday.
Commenting on the development, the Head of Press and Public Relations, PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, stated in a press release, “The commission has thoughtfully reassessed their earlier decision and has determined that it contradicted the fundamental principles behind the merging of services within the public sector.”
The PSC’s decision comes after reevaluating its contentious policy from 2017, which permitted police personnel to base their retirement eligibility on their enlistment date instead of their original appointment date. The change is consistent with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which requires officers to retire once they meet the designated years of service or age limit.
He mentioned that the directive has been officially conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for prompt action. “The commission concluded its inaugural extraordinary meeting with the decision to promptly retire senior police officers who have served for over 35 years and those aged over 60,” Ani stressed.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi on Thursday insisted that the Inspector General of Police, IGP. Kayode Egbetokun’s continued stay in office is lawful. The PSC’s directive signals a firm stance on enforcing retirement rules.
