The Police Force Headquarters in Abuja has issued a directive mandating the immediate retirement of officers who have served for more than 35 years or are over 60 years old, in line with civil service regulations.

This directive was contained in a wireless message dated February 10, 2025, and addressed to all zonal and state commands as well as departmental units. The decision aligns with the resolution of the Police Service Commission (PSC) during its 1st Extraordinary Meeting of the 6th Management Board.

Initially, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun had instructed affected officers to maintain their positions pending further directives. However, a subsequent letter dated February 1, 2025, signed on behalf of the IGP by CP Bode Akinbamilowo, Deputy Force Secretary, reversed that stance, urging officers to proceed with immediate retirement.

The letter emphasized, ?The IGP directs comprehensive implementation of the PSC?s decision, with emphasis on retiring officers with over 35 years in service or above the age of 60.?

The PSC?s communication, dated January 31, 2025, and signed by its Secretary, Nnamani Onyemuche, also instructed the police to inform affected officers and immediately fill vacancies.

Meanwhile, IGP Egbetokun has appointed AIG Mohammed Usaini Gumel as the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 7 Command, Abuja. He succeeds AIG Kenneth Igwe.

A statement from Zone 7 Command highlighted AIG Gumel?s extensive experience, including roles as AIG, Department of Training and Development, Force Headquarters, and Commissioner of Police in Sokoto and Kano states.

Gumel holds a Master?s degree in Educational Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Minna, and a Bachelor?s degree in Islamic Studies from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He is also credited with rehabilitating over 600 former criminals during his tenure as CP Kano and maintaining peace during the 2023 governorship elections in the state.

On assuming office, AIG Gumel solicited maximum public support in the Federal Capital Territory and Niger State, pledging to sustain peace and stability in the zone. (Vanguard)

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