PSC Orders Immediate Retirement of Senior Police Officers Above 60

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has directed the immediate retirement of senior police officers aged 60 and above, enforcing service age limits.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has mandated the immediate retirement of all senior police officers who have served for more than 35 years or are older than 60.

This decision arises amidst controversy over the tenure of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, who has recently reached the age of 60. Nonetheless, both the Nigeria Police Force and the Attorney General of the Federation assert that his ongoing position is lawful.

In a statement released on Friday, Ikechukwu Ani, the Head of Press and Public Relations for PSC, clarified that the commission had reconsidered its previous position from a plenary meeting held in September 2017. This former stance allowed new force members to use their enlistment date rather than their initial appointment date.

Ani mentioned that the commission has now changed its stance, pointing out inconsistencies with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which requires retirement after reaching 35 years of service or upon turning 60.

Ani stated that after its first extraordinary meeting, the Police Service Commission approved the immediate retirement of senior officers who have served for over 35 years or are older than 60.

He stated, “During its 24th plenary meeting on September 27 and 28, 2017, the commission approved that new force members should have their appointment date correspond to their enlistment date.”

The commission has thoroughly re-evaluated their decision and determined that it conflicted with the principle of service consolidation in public service. Furthermore, it violated Public Service Rule No 020908 (i & ii), which stipulates retirement after reaching either 35 years of service or 60 years of age.

Ani additionally mentioned that the directive has been officially communicated to the IGP for prompt implementation.

The extraordinary meeting was led by PSC Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Hashimu Argungu. Attendees included Justice Adamu Paul Galumje, a retired Supreme Court Justice and the Honorable Commissioner representing the Judiciary; retired DIG Taiwo Lakanu, serving as the Honorable Commissioner representing the Police; and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, who is Secretary to the Commission.

“The statement concluded by saying that the commission’s decision had been communicated to the Inspector General of Police for implementation.”