The race to succeed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has intensified as his retirement date approaches. Appointed on June 19, 2023, Egbetokun is scheduled to retire on September 4, when he turns 60. However, uncertainty surrounds whether he will retire as planned or receive an extension of service, following a recent amendment to the Police Act.
The amendment, passed by both chambers of the National Assembly on July 31, 2024, allows the President to extend the tenure of the IGP beyond the mandatory 35 years of service or 60 years of age. This provision would enable the sitting IGP to complete a full four-year tenure. However, the bill is yet to be signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
The uncertainty has created tension within the upper ranks of the police force, with officers ranging from Commissioners of Police (CPs) to Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) and Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) lobbying for the top position. Some sources within the force suggest that if the President does not sign the amendment before September 4, Egbetokun may have to step down as IGP. Others believe there is still time for the amendment to be signed into law, potentially allowing the President to extend Egbetokun’s tenure.
Even if the amendment is signed into law, some officials argue that it should not apply retroactively, meaning Egbetokun might not benefit from the extension. As the deadline nears, all eyes are on the presidency and the fate of the amendment, which could determine the future leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.
There are currently eight DIGs, 46 AIGs, and 125 CPs in the force, with four of the seven DIGs set to retire between September and December. The DIGs’ retirement dates 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, who joined the Nigeria Police Force on March 3, 1990, is bound by the Police Act, which mandates retirement after 35 years of service or upon reaching 60 years of age, whichever comes first. It is understood that the IGP has tied his retirement fate to the President’s final decision.
The amendment that is causing tension within the police force is the inclusion of Section 18(8A) by both the Senate and the House of Representatives in the Nigeria Police Act, 2020. This new section allows the President to retain an IGP after serving for either 35 years or reaching 60 years, with the IGP’s tenure pegged to a four-year term as stipulated in the appointment letter provided by the President.
A source within the police force stated, “Despite the President not having spoken or assented to the new bill, some senior police officers have started lobbying for the top position. This includes some DIGs, AIGs, and even CPs, anticipating a possible overhaul of the NPF structure. We have seen precedents in the system before.”
Another source added, “There is tension within the Force. No one knows if the four DIGs who are due for retirement on or before December 25th will benefit from the new law or not.”
Some officers are concerned that extending Egbetokun’s tenure may deny them necessary promotions or lead to stunted career growth. The source explained, “There is unease in the Police about whether the IGP will receive a tenure extension under the amended Police Act. Extending tenure close to retirement may distort the system, leading to increased lobbying and desperation for positions.”
Despite the uncertainty, another source said, “I believe the President is carefully weighing his options in the best interest of the country and the Nigeria Police. As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, he has the prerogative to decide whether Egbetokun should complete a four-year tenure or proceed with retirement.”
The amendment to the Nigeria Police Act is not the first time the force has been embroiled in a tenure extension controversy. Former President Muhammadu Buhari extended the tenures of IGPs Suleman Adamu and Usman Baba. Baba, who was due to retire in March 2023, remained in office until President Tinubu took over and appointed Egbetokun as his successor three months later.
As the deadline for Egbetokun’s retirement looms, the fate of the Nigeria Police Force’s leadership rests on the President’s decision regarding the amendment to the Police Act.
