PSC directs retirement of police officers above 60yrs, 35yrs in service

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has directed the immediate retirement of all senior police officers who have either served beyond 35 years or exceeded the age of 60. The decision comes amid ongoing controversy over the tenure of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who recently turned 60.

Despite the directive, both the Nigeria Police Force and the Attorney General of the Federation have maintained that Egbetokun’s continued stay in office is legally justified.

In a statement on Friday, PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, announced that the commission had revisited and reversed its previous stance from its 24th plenary meeting in September 2017. The earlier policy had allowed police officers to use their date of enlistment rather than their initial appointment date for retirement calculations.

However, Ani clarified that this policy was inconsistent with Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which mandates retirement upon reaching either 35 years of service or the age of 60.

“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 stated.

He explained that the commission reconsidered its 2017 decision and found it contradictory to public service regulations regarding the merger of service years.

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“The commission has passionately revisited their decision and has concluded that the said decision in its intent and purpose contradicted the principle of the merger of service in the public service and violates Public Service Rule No. 020908 (i & ii), which provides for retirement on attainment of 35 years in service or 60 years of age,” Ani added.

The directive has been formally communicated to the Inspector General of Police for immediate implementation.

The extraordinary meeting was presided over by PSC Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Hashimu Argungu. Other key attendees included Justice Adamu Paul Galumje (retd.), representing the Judiciary, retired DIG Taiwo Lakanu, and Chief Onyemuchi Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission.

The commission’s decision is expected to impact several senior officers, reinforcing the enforcement of public service regulations within the police force.