By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
TUESDAY’s EXIT of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun drew mixed reactions at the Force Headquarters.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that it is expected to trigger the compulsory retirement of at least eight Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs) of Police following the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Olatunji Disu as the acting IGP.
A major reshuffle at the top echelons of the Nigeria Police Force is anticipated.
President Bola Tinubu had accepted the resignation of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun and promptly appointed AIG Olatunji Disu as the acting IGP indicating that at least, four DIGs are likely to retire alongside Egbetokun as part of the broader leadership transition.
Police insiders said top level restructuring is customary whenever a new Inspector-General is appointed, particularly affecting officers’ senior in rank to the appointed IG or those nearing statutory retirement.
It however remains unclear whether DIGs Fayoade Adegoke, Funsho Adegboye and 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.
Those listed include DIG Yahaya Abubakar of Finance and Administration, DIG Adebola Hamzat of Logistics and Supply, DIG Adebowale Williams of Information and Communication Technology, DIG Sadiq Idris Abubakar of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, DIG Ben Nebolisa Okolo of the Force Intelligence Department, DIG Basil Idegwu of Research and Planning, and Deputy Inspector General Training.
Usually, the exit of several DIGs is a routine consequence of a junior officer’s elevation to IGP.
A top officer on anonymity said: “The Nigeria Police have 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 said.
He also added that most of the affected DIGs have reached or are near statutory retirement age and said the shake up provides an opportunity for the new Inspector-General 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 top officer 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.”
