IGP Egbetokun Cracks Down On Senior Officers – Seven DIGs Sacked Over Retirement Controversy

IGP Egbetokun Cracks Down On Senior Officers – Seven DIGs Sacked Over Retirement Controversy

At least seven Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) of the Nigeria Police Force have retired following an unsuccessful attempt by Dasuki Galandachi of the Force Investigation Department to obtain a service extension, similar to the one granted to Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun…….READ MORE 

The retired DIGs include Dasuki Galandachi, Ali Ari Muhammed, Rhoda Adetutu Olofu, Jonathan Towuru (representing the South-South geopolitical zone), Suleiman Yusuf, Banji Lawal Badru, and Bala Ciroma, according to reports on Monday.

A reliable source disclosed that DIGs Ali Ari Muhammed, Jonathan Towuru, Rhoda Adetutu Olofu, and Dasuki Galandachi were asked by the IGP to leave a high-level meeting held on Monday. Meanwhile, DIG Towuru voluntarily stepped down after attending a senior officers’ retreat in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) is expected to announce their replacements soon.

Earlier, IGP Egbetokun had ordered all senior police officers who refused to retire as scheduled to face a disciplinary committee. Reports indicate that tensions have been growing within the Nigeria Police Force as some officers resisted retirement, despite allegations of age falsification.

Some senior officers reportedly served for up to 44 years, prompting a dispute between the IGP and some retiring DIGs, including Galandachi, who sought a two-year extension, citing Egbetokun’s own exemption from retirement in 2024.

Leaked police documents from February confirmed that Egbetokun had already instructed the replacement of affected officers, with full approval for their retirement.

In addition to the retirements, the IGP ordered the redeployment of officers found guilty of document forgery, age falsification, and other service violations.

Previously, a list of 467 officers implicated in age falsification surfaced, reportedly including notable names like Simon Lough, SAN, and Benneth Igweh.

This development follows the Police Service Commission’s directive for mass retirements affecting several DIGs, Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs), and other top-ranking officers.

The PSC insists that all police officers must retire after 35 years of service or upon reaching the age of 60, as required by Public Service Rules.