Tinubu takes action on mass sacking of 30 DIGs, AIGs after Disu’s appointment

President Bola Tinubu has halted the planned compulsory retirement of about 30 senior police officers following the change in leadership at the Nigeria Police Force.

The decision came after the removal of Kayode Egbetokun as Inspector-General of Police and the appointment of Tunji Disu as Acting IGP.

Traditionally, when a new police chief takes office, many Deputy Inspectors General and Assistant Inspectors General are asked to leave service to maintain the command structure.

However, the President stopped the planned retirement of the affected officers.

Sources within the Presidency told Sahara Reporters that the the move was put on hold to allow the new acting IGP to benefit from the experience of the senior officers.

Before the intervention, an internal list had reportedly been prepared, containing the names of top officers expected to exit the Force.

Among those listed were DIG Yahaya Abubakar in charge of Finance, DIG Adebola Hamzat overseeing Logistics, DIG Adebowale Williams handling ICT, and DIG Frank Mba in charge of Training.

The retirement was said to be part of efforts to realign the hierarchy after the leadership change.

The development has revived debate over the practice of compulsory retirement each time a new Inspector-General is appointed.

In previous transitions, such changes often led to the departure of several senior officers, even when they still had time left in service.

Disu’s appointment came less than two months before his scheduled retirement.

Born on April 13, 1966, in Lagos State, he was promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General on March 6, 2025.

Based on the mandatory retirement age of 60, he is expected to leave the Force on April 13, 2026.

Although the amended Police Act allows an Inspector-General to serve a four-year term regardless of age, there are indications that Disu may not remain in office beyond his retirement date.

Sources said there are efforts to ensure that he steps down in April as required by law.

Meanwhile, the Police Service Commission had earlier compiled a list of about 30 senior officers for retirement before it was directed to suspend the process.

The halt has reportedly given fresh hope to some of the affected officers who were preparing to exit the Force.