A Nigeria Police Force inspector attached to the Police Mobile Force in Benue State has applied for voluntary retirement, citing serious family challenges that he says have made it increasingly difficult to continue serving in the force.
The officer, Insp. Hussaini Mabera, attached to the 80 Squadron of the Police Mobile Force at Odugbo Base, Benue State, submitted the application in a letter dated November 1, 2026, addressed to the Inspector-General of Police through the appropriate command channels.
IBN News reports that Mabera said he joined the Nigeria Police Force on October 17, 2011, and would ordinarily be due for retirement on October 17, 2046. His application therefore seeks to leave the service well before the retirement date stated in his letter.
Explaining his decision, the inspector cited what he described as serious family issues beyond his control. He stated that he had applied for compassionate assistance on several occasions but that his efforts had been unsuccessful.
The officer said the circumstances had compelled him to reconsider his continued service, explaining that he could no longer sustain his commitment to the force while carrying the family responsibilities confronting him.
In the application, Mabera expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting him good health and the courage to serve the country. He also thanked the Inspector-General of Police and the police management team for giving him the opportunity to serve the nation.
He appealed to the police authorities to give his request due consideration and approval, presenting the application as a difficult decision driven by personal and family circumstances rather than a lack of appreciation for his career.
The letter raises questions about the challenges serving officers may face when personal responsibilities collide with the demands of a disciplined security organisation. Police personnel often work under demanding conditions, with postings, operational duties and service requirements potentially placing pressure on their ability to manage family obligations.
Mabera’s account also highlights the importance of accessible welfare and compassionate-support mechanisms for officers experiencing serious personal difficulties. While the details of his family situation were not disclosed in the letter, his statement that previous requests for assistance had not succeeded suggests that he believes the available support was insufficient to resolve his circumstances.
However, the document does not establish whether the police authorities formally rejected his earlier requests, what assistance he sought or whether his latest application has been approved. The Inspector-General of Police and the relevant command authorities have not been quoted as responding to the application.
Voluntary retirement is also subject to the applicable police service rules and approval procedures. The submission of an application does not, by itself, confirm that the officer has been released from service.
The case therefore places attention on both the personal circumstances of the officer and the administrative process that will determine his request. A decision on the application would clarify whether Mabera can leave the force before his stated retirement date and under what conditions.
For now, the inspector is asking the police leadership to consider his request in light of the family difficulties he says he can no longer ignore.
IBN News could not independently verify the circumstances described in the letter or confirm whether the application has received official approval.
