The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has directed police officers affected by the recent Police Service Commission (PSC) directive to disregard the order.
The PSC had instructed officers who have served 35 years or reached the age of 60 to retire immediately. However, in a wireless message issued by the Force Secretary’s office, dated February 11, 2025, the IGP stated: “All officers affected by the PSC’s directive are strongly directed to stay action, pending further instruction.”
Officers were urged to comply strictly with this counter-order.
Last week, PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani explained that the directive followed a review of its earlier stance, stemming from the commission’s 24th plenary meeting in September 2017. The review permitted officers to use their enlistment date rather than their appointment date for service computation.
The PSC justified its decision by citing Public Service Rule No. 020908, which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or upon reaching the age of 60. However, the commission acknowledged that it lacks constitutional authority to determine the appointment or retirement of the IGP, a role reserved for the President.
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