The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has enforced the compulsory retirement of six high-ranking officers, including a former Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bennett Igweh.
According to an internal police communication obtained by Punch on Wednesday, March 6, 2025, two of the affected officers were demoted before their retirement.
Demotion and Retirement Details
The official document, dated March 4, 2025, and signed by the Force Secretary, confirmed that Igweh, who had recently been promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector General (AIG) and assigned to Zone 7 Police Headquarters in Abuja, was first demoted back to Commissioner of Police (CP) before his retirement.
Similarly, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Simon Lough faced demotion to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) before being retired.
List of Retired Officers
The following officers were affected by the compulsory retirement order:
- AIG Idowu Owohunwa – Retired effective February 10, 2025
- CP Bennett Igweh – Retired effective May 1, 2023
- CP Aina Emmanuel A. – Retired effective February 10, 2025
- CP Salama Wakili Abdul – Retired effective February 26, 2025
- ACP Simon A. Lough (SAN) – Retired effective August 1, 2022
- ACP Dakon Philip Sarpiya – Retired effective December 12, 2023
Police Service Commission’s Role in the Decision
Reports indicate that the Police Service Commission (PSC) sanctioned the retirement of these officers during an extraordinary meeting on February 20, 2025.
An internal directive, bearing the reference number CH:8400/FS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.1/346 and titled “Discharge and Retirement,” ordered the immediate removal of the affected officers from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
The document stated:
“Kindly be informed that the underlisted senior police officers have been retired from the Force with effect from the dates indicated against their names.”
Additionally, it directed the budgeting unit to:
“Ensure that names of officers below the AIG rank are promptly removed from the IPPIS payroll.”
Retirements Amid Structural Reorganization
These forced retirements coincide with a broader restructuring effort within the Nigeria Police Force, aimed at addressing concerns related to career progression, age limits, and recent disciplinary measures.
The exit of AIG Owohunwa and CP Igweh has raised eyebrows, particularly as Igweh had only recently been promoted before facing a demotion and subsequent retirement.
While speculation abounds regarding the reasons behind these demotions and retirements, the police leadership has yet to provide a public statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding the decision.
The development marks another significant shake-up within the NPF, underscoring ongoing reforms and leadership transitions within the force.
