By Evelyn Usman
The exit of Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was met with mixed reactions at the Force Headquarters yesterday, as it is expected to trigger the compulsory retirement of at least, eight Deputy Inspectors-General of Police following the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General Olatunji Disu as the new IGP.
Consequently, a major reshuffle at the top echelons of the Nigeria Police Force is anticipated.
Sources disclosed that at least four DIGs are likely to retire alongside Egbetokun as part of the broader leadership transition.
Police insiders explained that top-level restructuring is customary whenever a new IGP is appointed, particularly affecting officers senior in rank to the appointed IGP or those nearing statutory retirement.
But it remains unclear whether DIG Fayoade Adegoke, DIG Funsho Adegboye, and DIG Mohammed Adamu Dankwara , who were recently promoted will also be required to retire.
An internal list circulating within the Force indicated that DIGs heading key departments may be affected, including DIG Yahaya Abubakar (Finance and Administration), DIG Adebola Hamzat (Logistics and Supply), DIG Adebowale Williams (Information and Communication Technology), DIG Sadiq Idris Abubakar (Force Criminal Investigation Department), DIG Ben Nebolisa Okolo (Force Intelligence Department), DIG Basil Idegwu (Research and Planning), and DIG Training.
A serving Assistant Inspector-General of Police, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the exit of several DIGs is a routine consequence of a junior officer’s elevation to IGP.
He said: “The Nigeria Police has a strict hierarchy. When a junior officer is appointed IGP, it is common for senior officers above him in rank to retire, voluntarily or otherwise. This prevents conflicts in the chain of command and allows the new leadership to implement its strategic agenda without obstruction. “Besides, three of the recently promoted DIGs may retire between June and July due to age and years of service.”
He added that most of the affected DIGs have reached or are near statutory retirement age, noting that the shake-up provides an opportunity for the new IGP to place trusted officers in key positions, strengthen operational efficiency, and implement reform policies.
Reiterating that the compulsory retirements are procedural and not punitive, the AIG said the unfolding changes “signal a generational shift within the Force’s top command, with potential implications for internal stability, operational direction, and institutional reform.”
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