01/07/2026
IGP Disu Urges Police Officers to Prepare Early for Retirement, Acquire New Skills as He Pushes Better Welfare for Retirees
The Inspector-General of Police, , has called on serving police officers across the country to begin preparing for retirement early by acquiring new skills, pursuing further education, and making prudent financial decisions to ensure a productive and fulfilling life after active service.
The IGP made the appeal on Tuesday while delivering the keynote address at the Gallant Officers Recognition & Welfare Initiative 2026, organised virtually by Naija Police & U (Friend or Friend), where he also advocated stronger welfare programmes and sustainable support for retired police personnel.
Speaking on the theme, "Life After Police: Building Purpose, Welfare and Opportunities Beyond Service," Disu said police officers devote their lives to protecting citizens and safeguarding national security, often at great personal sacrifice, and therefore deserve dignity, recognition, and opportunities beyond retirement.
According to him, policing is far more than a profession; it is a lifelong commitment to service, integrity, courage, and nation-building. He noted that officers routinely work under difficult and dangerous conditions, spend long periods away from their families, and respond to emergencies that place their lives at risk.
He stressed that retirement should not be viewed as the end of an officer's relevance but as the beginning of another meaningful phase of life, where retired personnel can continue contributing to society through mentorship, entrepreneurship, community development, leadership, and other productive engagements.
The police chief urged officers still in active service to prepare for retirement throughout their careers by developing additional vocational and professional skills, embracing lifelong learning, investing wisely, and maintaining sound financial discipline.
"A successful retirement is not achieved by chance; it is the product of careful planning, discipline and informed decision-making throughout one's career," the IGP stated.
Disu also reaffirmed his administration's commitment to improving the welfare of police personnel, describing officer welfare as a strategic requirement for effective policing. He disclosed that ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force are focused on strengthening healthcare services, psychological support, professional development, capacity building, and retirement preparedness.
While acknowledging government efforts, the Inspector-General stressed that responsibility for the welfare of retired officers should not rest on government alone. He called on the private sector, civil society organisations, traditional institutions, faith-based groups, and other well-meaning Nigerians to partner with the Nigeria Police Force in providing support programmes that improve the quality of life of retired officers.
He commended the organisers of the Gallant Officers Recognition & Welfare Initiative for promoting recognition, mentorship, and welfare support for serving and retired police officers, describing the initiative as one that would strengthen public confidence and police-community relations.
The IGP further congratulated officers honoured during the event, praising them for their courage, professionalism, discipline, and selfless service to the nation.
Addressing retired officers, Disu expressed appreciation for their years of dedication and sacrifice, assuring them that their contributions to nation-building remain invaluable.
"The institution you helped to build continues to benefit from your contributions, and your wealth of experience remains an invaluable national asset. We honour your legacy and encourage you to remain active as mentors, community leaders and ambassadors of the noble ideals of policing," he said.
The event featured the recognition of distinguished officers as well as discussions on retirement planning, welfare enhancement, and opportunities available to retired personnel of the Nigeria Police Nigeria Police Force
