A storm is brewing within the Nigeria Police Force, as senior officers accused of age falsification resist retirement, fueling an internal crisis.
According to reports, some of these officers have remained in the force for over 44 years, leading to heightened tensions within the Nigeria Police Force.
The tension has escalated into a power struggle between Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun and Deputy Inspector-General (DIG), Dasuƙi Galadanchi over a controversial two-year service extension request.
Galadanchi, whose tenure had already been extended, is demanding an additional two years, arguing that if Egbetokun could secure an extension, he should also be granted one. However, the IGP is reportedly opposed to this, citing concerns over Galadanchi’s alleged reckless conduct and difficulty in managing him. In response, Galadanchi has insisted that if he must retire, Egbetokun should also step down.
The controversy follows last year’s decision by the Nigerian Senate to amend the law, allowing Egbetokun to continue in office beyond the statutory retirement age – a move that sparked criticism from the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Ministry of Police Affairs.
Opponents warned that extending officers’ service beyond the legal limit could undermine Police reforms, delay promotions, and discourage younger officers.
Senior officers due for retirement have reportedly sought political backing to resist the directive, arguing that retiring them en masse would disproportionately affect officers from southern Nigeria and diminish their representation in top leadership. Egbetokun himself allegedly used similar arguments to justify his own extension.
In response, the PSC approved the retirement of several senior officers, including Simon Lough, Head of the Police Legal Section, and Benneth Igweh, a former Police Commissioner. Many of these officers were found to have altered their birth records to prolong their service.
Recall that on February 1, 2025, IGP Egbetokun ordered the immediate retirement of all officers who had either served for over 35 years, or reached the age of 60. However, just days later, on February 5, 2025, he reversed this decision, following pressure from President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
This reversal has plunged the Police Force into confusion, with factions forming among officers, with some pushing to remain in service, while others insist that due process should be followed. The current situation has sparked a major leadership crisis within the police force, raising concerns about the integrity and stability of the institution.
