BREAKING: Tinubu Stops Retirement of 30 DIGs, AIGs After Disu’s Emergence as Acting IGP

President Bola Tinubu has halted a planned mass retirement of about 30 Deputy Inspectors-General (DIGs) and Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) following the appointment of Tunji Disu as Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP).

The development followed the removal of former IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who handed over to Disu earlier this week.

Sources within the Presidency disclosed that Tinubu intervened to stop the compulsory retirement of the senior officers, stressing the need for stability and experience within the Force during the transition.

“The Presidency has halted the firing of DIGs and AIGs, saying the new Acting IGP needs their experience,” a source said on Friday.

Retirement List Suspended

An internal list circulating within the Nigeria Police Force reportedly showed that at least eight DIGs — including Yahaya Abubakar (Finance), Adebola Hamzat (Logistics), Adebowale Williams (ICT), and Frank Mba (Training) — were among officers pencilled down for retirement before the President’s directive.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) was said to have compiled about 30 names for compulsory retirement, in line with the long-standing practice of asking senior officers to step down when a junior officer is promoted above them.

The practice, often justified as necessary to prevent “status reversal” in the command structure, has remained controversial.

Disu May Not Get Tenure Extension

Disu, born April 13, 1966, in Lagos State, was promoted to Assistant Inspector-General on March 6, 2025, and is due for statutory retirement on April 13, 2026, upon attaining the mandatory retirement age of 60.

Although the amended Police Act allows an Inspector-General to serve a four-year tenure regardless of age, sources indicate that Disu may not enjoy such an extension.

“They’re pushing to ensure Acting IGP Disu leaves in April, on the date he is required to retire,” a source said, noting that several senior officers have renewed hopes following the suspension of the retirement exercise.

Legal Backdrop

The issue of compulsory retirement gained prominence in 2023 after former DIG Moses Ambakina Jitoboh challenged his forced retirement following Egbetokun’s appointment.

Jitoboh had sued the PSC and the Nigeria Police Force at the National Industrial Court, arguing that his tenure was protected by law and could not be terminated based on administrative tradition. A landmark ruling later declared such retirements unconstitutional.

The latest intervention by Tinubu is expected to further shape ongoing debates around police reforms, hierarchy, and leadership succession within the Nigeria Police Force.