The Integrity Youth Alliance has dismissed a report published by Supreme News alleging that tension is mounting within the Nigeria Police Force over forced retirements and supposed dissatisfaction among former Inspectors-General of Police.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Danjuma Lamido, the group described the publication titled “IGP Egbetokun In Trouble As Tension Mounts In Police Over Forced Retirements, Former IGPs Lament” as malicious and misleading, insisting there is no nationwide tension within the Force.
The Alliance stressed that Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is not an “outgoing controversial IGP” as alleged but remains focused on repositioning the Police for effective service delivery.
On the recent National Industrial Court ruling ordering the reinstatement of certain compulsorily retired officers, the group clarified that both the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission have the constitutional right to appeal up to the Supreme Court.
It noted that the apex court has already affirmed the Court of Appeal’s jurisdiction over NIC decisions, making its judgements subject to review.
The statement further explained that Egbetokun did not retire 200 police officers in February 2025, as claimed in the report, stressing that such authority rests solely with the Police Service Commission.
It also debunked claims that the IGP deliberately absented himself from court proceedings, clashed with former IGPs, or accused them of usurping his functions. The group expressed doubt that former IGP Usman Baba Alkali made the disparaging remarks attributed to him, describing them as baseless fabrications.
On allegations that Egbetokun had “destroyed the Police more than he met it,” the Alliance argued that his administration has instead taken proactive steps to strengthen the institution, improve welfare, and enhance crime-fighting capacity.
The statement also dismissed insinuations that the IGP is afraid of probes, noting that all police expenditures are vetted and accounted for under extant financial regulations.
The Alliance therefore urged Nigerians to disregard the publication by Supreme News, describing it as an attempt to discredit Egbetokun and demoralise the Police Force.
