The High Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on Thursday stated that there has been no categorical directive from the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, regarding the recent order by the Police Service Commission (PSC) instructing senior officers who have reached the age of 60 or completed 35 years of service to proceed on immediate retirement. This clarification comes in response to media reports suggesting otherwise.
Speaking with Tribune Online about an alleged memo from the Force Secretary, which quoted the IGP as directing affected officers to ignore the PSC’s directive and remain in service, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, dismissed the report as inaccurate.
The FPRO assured that an official statement would be issued on the matter at the appropriate time but urged the public to disregard the misleading report.
The media report had claimed that a wireless message from the office of the Force Secretary, dated 11 February 2025, stated that the IGP “strongly directs all officers affected by the PSC’s directive to stay action, pending further instruction.” Officers were reportedly told to comply strictly with this order.
A senior officer who questioned the authenticity of the alleged wireless message from the Force Secretary dismissed it as fake.
According to him, “Today is 6 February, yet they are quoting a memo dated 11 February 2025. The public deserves some explanations.”
Last week, PSC spokesman Ikechukwu Ani explained that the commission’s order followed a review of its previous stance from the 24th plenary meeting in September 2017, which allowed police force entrants to use their enlistment date rather than their initial appointment date. The commission cited inconsistencies with Public Service Rule No. 020908, which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or upon reaching the age of 60.
VISIT NIGERIAN TRIBUNE FOR MORE STORIES
and then