President Bola Tinubu has halted a planned shake-up within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) that would have seen the compulsory retirement of about 30 Deputy Inspectors General and Assistant Inspectors General of Police following the resignation of Kayode Egbetokun as Inspector-General of Police.
Orange understands that Egbetokun has since handed over to his successor, Acting IGP, Tunji Disu.
Sources who spoke with Sahara Reporters on the development disclosed that the President intervened to stop the mass retirement of senior officers.
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The appointment of Disu reignited debate over the controversial practice of compulsory retirement for senior officers whenever a new Inspector-General assumes office.
Traditionally, such transitions have triggered the exit of top-ranking officers to preserve command hierarchy.
An internal list circulating within the Force indicated that at least eight DIGs, including Yahaya Abubakar (Finance), Adebola Hamzat (Logistics), Adebowale Williams (ICT) and Frank Mba (Training), were expected to be retired.
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However, a Presidency source said the plan had been suspended.
“However, the Presidency has halted the firing of DIGs and AIGs, saying the new acting IGP Disu needs their experience,” the source said.
Disu’s appointment reportedly came less than two months before his scheduled retirement at the mandatory age of 60.
Born on April 13, 1966, Disu was promoted to Assistant Inspector-General on March 6, 2025, and was originally due to retire on April 13, 2026.
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Under the amended Police Act, which allows Inspectors-General of Police to serve a four-year tenure regardless of age, he could remain in office until 2030.
However, sources indicated that recent developments may prevent him from enjoying an extension beyond his statutory retirement date.
“They’re pushing to ensure acting IGP Disu leaves in April, on the date he is required to retire,” the source said.
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The source added that several senior officers whose names had been compiled by the Police Service Commission for retirement had renewed hope after the process was halted.
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