As Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun nears retirement, the race to succeed him has intensified....READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ▶▶
Appointed on June 19 last year, Egbetokun is set to retire on September 4 when he turns 60….READ FULL ARTICLE
However, uncertainty looms over whether he will retire on that date or receive an extension due to a recent amendment to the Police Act.
The amendment, an Executive Bill passed by the National Assembly on July 31, allows the President to extend the tenure of an IGP beyond 35 years of service or 60 years of age, enabling the IGP to complete a four-year term. This bill is yet to be signed into law by the President, creating tension within the police high command. Officers from the ranks of Commissioners of Police (CPs), Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs), and Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) are lobbying intensely for the IG’s position.
Sources within the police suggest that if the President does not sign the amendment, Egbetokun will have to retire. Conversely, if the amendment is signed, the President may extend Egbetokun’s tenure. However, there is debate on whether the amendment should apply retroactively to Egbetokun.
There are eight DIGs, 46 AIGs, and 125 CPs, with four DIGs set to retire between September and December. The retirement dates for the DIGs are as follows: Bala Ciroma (March 3, 2025); Emeka Frank Mba (May 18, 2027); Sylvester Abiodun Alabi (December 31, 2024); Daniel Sokari-Pedro (December 18, 2024); Ede Ayuba Ekpeji (October 21, 2024); Bello Makwashi Maradun (December 25, 2024); Dasuki Danbappa Galadanchi (March 3, 2025); and Sahabo Abubakar Yahaya (September 15, 2025).
Egbetokun’s future hinges on the President’s decision regarding the amendment. The amendment, which adds Section 18(8A) to the Nigeria Police Act 2020, states that any person appointed as IGP shall remain in office until the end of the term stipulated in their appointment letter, as per Section 7(6) of the Act.
Despite the President’s silence on the bill, senior police officers, including DIGs, AIGs, and CPs, have begun lobbying for the position in anticipation of a potential overhaul of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) structure.
Sources indicate that some officers are concerned that extending Egbetokun’s tenure might impede their career progression. They argue that tenure extensions close to retirement could distort the system and increase lobbying and desperation for positions, regardless of merit….READ FULL ARTICLE
