The Nigeria Police Force is undergoing a significant restructuring as directed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun. Key highlights include:
Redeployment of Senior Officers
- AIG Gumel H. Mohammed has been reassigned to Zone 7, covering the Federal Capital Territory and Niger State. He replaces AIG Benneth Igweh, who took up the role in September 2024.
- Additional high-level transfers of Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) and Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs) have been confirmed across various commands.
Forgery and Retirement Scandals
- Approximately 467 senior police officers have been implicated in allegations of age falsification and service regulation violations.
- Affected officers, including prominent figures such as Simon Lough, SAN, and Benneth Igweh, have been summoned before the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC), which is scheduled to sit from February 10 to May 13, 2025.
- Some officers have reportedly served for up to 44 years, well beyond the mandated service duration.
Tensions Over Retirement Compliance
- Over 200 senior officers have allegedly refused to retire despite directives.
- DIG Dasuki Galandanchi is reportedly seeking a two-year service extension, citing a precedent set by IGP Egbetokun, who himself received an extension beyond his retirement date last year.
Implications for the Police Force
This ongoing restructuring signals an attempt by the IGP to address systemic issues within the force, including service rule violations and administrative inefficiencies.
However, the resistance from senior officers and controversies surrounding service extensions suggest challenges ahead in achieving a fully compliant and disciplined force.