A fresh wave of unrest has swept through the Nigeria Police Force following reports that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has submitted a list of over 30 officers—most of whom are perceived loyalists—for special promotion to the Police Service Commission (PSC).
Among those listed is the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, who is being put forward for elevation to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), reportedly on the grounds of his “gallantry,” according to a senior police source.
Also included is DCP Ahmed Lateef, recently appointed as Egbetokun’s Principal Staff Officer (PSO) in March 2025, along with several aides viewed as close to the police chief. The nominations have provoked significant internal discontent, especially given their timing after the recent decoration ceremony for newly promoted senior officers across various ranks.
Insiders within the force have expressed concerns about what they describe as the IGP’s “ethnically skewed” approach to appointments, with a notable concentration of favours towards officers from the South-West, particularly those of Yoruba descent.
“This list is already stirring unrest within a divided force, as most of the beneficiaries are from the same region as the IGP,” a senior officer told Chronicles Reporters on condition of anonymity.
The PSC is currently reviewing the proposed list for approval, even as discontent simmers beneath the surface.
Meanwhile, the latest round of approved promotions by the PSC has seen several notable names elevated to Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG). They include Johnson Oluwole Adenola (former CP, Oyo State), Ako Benedict Gabriel (former CP, Anti-Fraud), Ahmadu Tijani Abdullahi (former CP, Jigawa), Emmanuel Adegbola Aina (Acting AIG, Intelligence), Omolara Ibidun Oloruntola, Hassan Abdu Yababet (former CP, Police College Jos), and Bretet Emmanuel Simon (former CP, Taraba).
On July 21, Chronicles Reporters reported that the PSC had approved the promotion of 12 Commissioners of Police to AIG rank. Additionally, 16 Deputy Commissioners were promoted to full Commissioners of Police, while 27 Assistant Commissioners advanced to the rank of Deputy Commissioners.
However, an Assistant Commissioner who did not participate in the promotion exercise was left out of the list.
According to a statement issued by Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, 145 Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs) were also elevated to the rank of Assistant Commissioners. These officers cut across general duties and various specialist fields, including Airwing, Medical Services (Doctors, Dentists, Pharmacists, Laboratory Scientists, Physiotherapists, and Nurses), Clergy, and Aircraft Maintenance.
In addition, 29 Superintendents specializing in Information Technology, Engineering, and Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) were promoted to Chief Superintendent, while 38 Deputy Superintendents in specialist roles were elevated to Superintendent level.
Ex-IGP Baba Questions Egbetokun’s Administrative Competence
Earlier on Monday, Chronicles Reporters also reported that former Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, had spoken out against the contributory pension scheme, calling it a failure that continues to neglect the welfare of retired officers.
Appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2021 to replace Mohammed Adamu, Baba served until June 19, 2023, when President Bola Tinubu named Egbetokun as his successor.
Speaking in a video interview with ESET TV, Baba cast doubts on Egbetokun’s capability in police administration, suggesting his background has been largely in field operations rather than strategic leadership.
“The current IGP has spent most of his career in field operations,” Baba remarked. “He was one of those who supported the contributory pension system despite widespread dissatisfaction.”
Baba further noted that there has been no direct consultation between him and Egbetokun on pension matters. “There’s a forum for former IGPs and the current one to engage, but it depends on the incumbent’s willingness to tap into institutional memory. Personally, he has never reached out to me, and I haven’t offered any advice either,” he said.
Lingering Pension Problems Under Egbetokun
On the persistent issues surrounding the police pension scheme, Baba expressed frustration, stating that many retired officers are yet to receive their entitlements.
“We held a joint public hearing at the National Assembly where several testimonies were shared—retired officers, insiders, and industry experts all spoke of the hardship faced,” he said.
He added that even his own close aide has not received any retirement benefits, months after leaving service. “My PA, Isah, retired seven months ago and hasn’t received a single naira,” Baba revealed.
He warned that this kind of uncertainty undermines morale and discourages service. “How do you expect loyalty or commitment when officers are terrified of retirement? It’s unlike the military, where personnel receive transition training months before retirement. In the police, you work up to the very last day and then you’re cut off,” he said.
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