The Police Service Commission has ordered the retirement of four Deputy Inspectors General of Police (DIGs).
The senior officers affected are Dan-Mallam Mohammed, Moses Ambakina Jitiboh, Hafiz Mohammed Inuwa, and Adeleke Adeyinka Bode.
According to the commission’s spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, the instruction was issued in the exercise of its constitutional powers under the Third Schedule, Part 1 M, para A&B of the 1999 Constitution, as reinforced by Section 6 of the Commissions (Establishment) Act 2001.
“In the wake of the appointment of the acting Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun on the 19th of June, 2023 by Mr. President, the Commission had expected in consonance with the revered tradition of discipline and regimented culture of the Nigeria Police Force that those DIGS who were seniors in rank prior to his elevation will voluntarily apply for retirement or elect to leave the Force,” the statement partly read.
“The Commission, having waited for ample time with no such application from any of them, took the decision to compulsorily retire them in order to uphold discipline which is the bedrock of the Force, and to discourage status reversal which is inherently inimical to the exercise of authority by the Inspector General.
“Accordingly the former DIGs have been mandated to Immediately proceed on compulsory retirement with effect from Friday, 25th August, 2023.The Commission appreciates their immense contributions and efforts towards peace and security of our country and also wishes them well in their future endeavours in retirement.”
In addition, the police commission approved the promotion of four Assistant Inspectors General of Police (AIGs) to the rank of Detective Inspector General of Police (DIGs).
The new DIGs, subject to ratification of the commission’s board, would replace the retired DIGs.
The new DIGs are Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje; Daniel Sokari-Pedro, Ayuba Ekpeji, and Usman Nagogo.
According to the commission, the new DIGs were chosen from the same geopolitical zones as the retired ones.