The crisis within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) continues to escalate as senior officers who have reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 or completed 35 years of service refuse to step down, despite a directive from the Police Service Commission (PSC).
Over the weekend, investigations revealed that the affected officers are relying on an ongoing case at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria, where they are challenging the PSC’s directive.
The ongoing police retirement crisis has deepened as senior officers demand the retirement of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, following the Police Service Commission’s (PSC) directive to retire officers who have surpassed 35 years of service or reached the age of 60.
Speaking to Daily Trust on Sunday, the PSC stated it was unaware of any officers defying the retirement order. However, some affected officers, speaking anonymously, voiced their frustrations, explaining that they would not have pursued legal action if the IGP’s tenure had not been extended.
“Officers have always retired from the police force, and ours would be no different. However, what is good for the goose is good for the gander. Some may argue that the IGP’s position is political, but we are all in service,” one officer stated.
The officers clarified that their lawsuit is not directly challenging the IGP’s extended tenure but is aimed at contesting the PSC’s directive forcing their retirement.
PSC Orders Immediate Retirement of Senior Officers
Earlier this month, the PSC ordered the immediate retirement of senior officers who had either surpassed 35 years of service or turned 60. PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani explained that the decision was based on a review of previous policies and compliance with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii).
In response to the directive, however, the police headquarters issued a counter-instruction on February 5, 2025, via a wireless message from the Force Secretary’s office, instructing the affected officers to remain in service until further notice.
In a new development, the police high command has begun compiling the names of affected officers to submit to the PSC for further action. This process is being managed by a disciplinary committee set up by IGP Egbetokun. The committee began its sessions on Monday at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja, and has already summoned several top officers, including an Assistant Inspector-General of Police, two Commissioners of Police, and a senior police legal officer.
“The committee has officially invited the affected officers, and they are expected to appear in full uniform,” a source confirmed.
The committee is expected to conclude its deliberations by Thursday.
Legal Challenge and Future Actions
Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court of Nigeria has adjourned the case challenging the retirement directive to March 18. Among the claimants in the lawsuit are Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Egong Egwu Egong, CSP Edwin Okoro, and three others. Their legal counsel, Adeleke Agbola (SAN), argued that the PSC had used a disputed circular to calculate their years of service based on their entry date into the police force, rather than their admission date into the Police Academy.
Agbola urged the court to maintain the status quo until a ruling determines whether the PSC’s directive violated a previous judgment stating that service years should be counted from the point officers entered the Academy.
Advice from Retired Senior Officer
Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Wilson Inalegwu advised the affected officers to exit the force gracefully, emphasizing that the PSC has constitutional authority to appoint, promote, and retire officers up to the rank of Deputy Inspector-General.
He also pointed out that the IGP’s position is a political appointment made at the President’s discretion, and should not be compared to other police ranks.
“The President has the power to appoint the IGP, not the other officers. Those agitating to stay in the force after 60 years should just go home honorably,” Inalegwu stated.
