PSC Orders Immediate Retirement of Senior Police Officers Exceeding Service Limits

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has issued a directive for the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have either completed 35 years of service or reached the age of 60.

According to Plateau News, this announcement comes amid discussions concerning the tenure of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who recently turned 60. Despite the new directive, the Nigeria Police Force and the Attorney General of the Federation have argued that Egbetokun’s continued stay in office is legally permissible.

PSC Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, stated on Friday that the commission reviewed its 2017 policy, which allowed officers to use their enlistment date rather than their initial appointment date for service duration.

The commission determined that this policy was inconsistent with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which stipulates retirement upon reaching 35 years of service or 60 years of age.

 “The Police Service Commission rose from its first extraordinary meeting with the approval for the immediate retirement of senior police officers who have spent more than 35 years in service and those above 60 years of age,” Ani revealed.

He explained that the 2017 policy contradicted the principle of service merger within the public sector and violated existing service regulations.

The statement highlighted that PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), presided over the extraordinary meeting. The session was attended by notable officials, including Justice Adamu Paul Galumje (retired Supreme Court Justice) and DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd.).

The directive has been formally communicated to the Inspector General of Police for prompt execution, underscoring the commission’s resolve to align police service practices with public sector rules.