President Bola Tinubu has intervened to halt the planned mass retirement of approximately 30 senior police officers — including Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs) — following the recent resignation of former Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun and the appointment of Acting IGP Tunji Disu.
According to sources , the Presidency directed that the retirement process be stopped, stating that the new acting IGP requires the experience and institutional knowledge of these senior officers during the transition period.
An internal police list had earlier circulated, indicating that at least eight DIGs — including Yahaya Abubakar (Finance), Adebola Hamzat (Logistics), Adebowale Williams (ICT), and Frank Mba (Training) — were among those slated for compulsory retirement to maintain the established command hierarchy.
The decision to pause the retirements has revived hopes among several senior officers who were expecting to exit the service.
The Police Service Commission had reportedly compiled a list of around 30 names for retirement, but the process was suspended following the presidential directive.
Acting IGP Tunji Disu, born April 13, 1966, in Lagos State (police serial number AP 41729), was promoted to Assistant Inspector-General on March 6, 2025. He was originally due to retire on his 60th birthday, April 13, 2026.
Under the amended Police Act, which allows an IGP a four-year tenure irrespective of age, Disu could potentially serve until 2030 if confirmed in a substantive role. However, sources indicate that unlike his predecessor Egbetokun, Disu may not receive an extension and could be required to retire in April as originally scheduled.
The intervention has sparked renewed debate over the practice of compulsory retirement for senior police officers during leadership transitions, with some arguing it ensures fresh leadership while others say it risks losing valuable expertise at critical times.
