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Tag: Police recruitment

  • Police recruitment: Medical screening underway at 17 zonal HQs

    Police recruitment: Medical screening underway at 17 zonal HQs

    The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has begun the medical screening for candidates in the ongoing recruitment of police constables for the 2022 exercise.

    The screening, which began on February 26, will run until March 12 at designated centres in the 17 police zonal headquarters.

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    A statement yesterday in Abuja by Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), said candidates who participated in the Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted on March 5 and 6, last year, are advised to check their application status and print out their invitation slips via the recruitment portal: https://apply.policerecruitment.gov.ng.

    Adejobi said: “Successful applicants from the first batch of the recruitment process have already been called up for training, while other candidates are urged to follow up on their application status.”

    The statement reaffirmed the commitment of the NPF to a transparent and merit-based recruitment process, ensuring that only qualified candidates proceed to the next phase.

  • Police recruitment

    Police recruitment

    •Things can only improve in the force if 10,000 are recruited yearly over a period

    Given the reality of under-policing in Nigeria, the announcement concerning the recruitment of 10,000 police constables into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is welcome news. The Police Service Commission (PSC), in a statement, said “9,000 applicants were approved for recruitment for general duty while 1,000 applicants were recruited for the specialist cadre,” adding that each stage of the recruitment process was “carried out with a high level of scrutiny and care.”

    It was striking that the commission said “a total of 609, 886 applications were received.” The high number of applications suggests that many of the country’s youths are interested in police work or are just desperate for any kind of job. In the end, 10 applicants were selected from each of the country’s 774 local government areas, which was intended to demonstrate fairness and inclusivity.

    The high number of unsuccessful candidates suggests that there will not be any lack of applicants in the various states in the event of the creation of state police, which is on the front burner. 

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    The PSC and the NPF are expected to determine the training period and the training institutions for the recruits. The 2020 batch of 10,000 police recruits, who completed their six-month training in July 2022, for instance, passed out from four police colleges and 12 training colleges nationwide. There have been public criticisms of the poor state of police training facilities in the country, and it is unclear whether such facilities have improved.

    Police recruits need to be well trained to conduct themselves professionally.

    Under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, there was a policy to recruit 10,000 police officers annually over six years, to boost police manpower. However, this was hampered by conflict between the PSC and the NPF over who should be responsible for such recruitment. The Supreme Court, in July 2023, ruled in favour of the PSC, after a legal battle that lasted about four years. This should ensure recruitment continuity. 

    In August 2023, the then acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, at an event at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Jos, Plateau State, said the NPF “requires an additional 190,000 personnel to be at par with the United Nations (UN) recommendation,” adding that inadequate manpower had resulted in “low police presence.” This means that recruiting 10,000 officers for six years, which would amount to 60,000 officers, is not the solution to the manpower problem.

    He also argued that the Federal Government needed to increase the annual recruitment of personnel into the force from 10,000 to 20,000. At the time, Nigeria’s police strength was reported to be about 370,000 officers, with a ratio of one police officer to about 600 citizens. The UN-recommended ratio is one police officer to about 450 citizens.

    In November 2023, Egbetokun, as the substantive IGP, during a working visit to Adamawa State, was reported saying he had got the approval of President Bola Tinubu “to recruit 30,000 for the next four years.” According to him, “I know that once we give effect to this approval, the issue of manpower will be a thing of the past.” This should be implemented with a sense of urgency. 

    There is no doubt that the country needs to increase its police personnel, particularly in the context of a complicated security crisis.

     The creation of state police is looking increasingly attractive to political leaders across the country as the federal and state governments, in February, agreed to pursue this during a meeting between President Tinubu and the governors of the 36 states of the federation. Also, in May, House of Assembly speakers in the 36 states announced their support for the state police proposal. It remains to be seen how that pursuit will develop. The establishment of state police should change the reality of under-policing in the country. 

    Nigeria is critically under-policed, which is bad for security as well as law and order. This problem demands particular attention and a comprehensive solution. 

  • PSC announces 10,000 successful candidates for police recruitment

    PSC announces 10,000 successful candidates for police recruitment

    •  Merit, gender sensitivity, federal character considered, says commission

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved and announced the names of 10,000 successful applicants for recruitment into the Constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    The commission announced the names of the successful applicants yesterday after receiving the report of the Police Recruitment Board.

    The Nation reports that 9,000 applicants were approved for recruitment for General Duty while 1,000 other applicants were recruited for the Specialists cadre.

    The PSC explained that to ensure fairness and justice in the recruitment process, it worked with relevant stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the National Assembly, and the Federal Character Commission (FCC).

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by its Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC said it ensured equity in the spread of successful candidates across the 774 local government areas of the country.

    The commission said it had earlier inaugurated a recruitment board – a broad-based stakeholders’ body comprising representatives of the commission, the NPF, the Ministry of Police Affairs, the FCC, police colleges, and the Police Trust Fund – to superintendent the recruitment process and report back to the commission.

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    It said interested Nigerian youths were invited to apply online for consideration for the subsequent stages of the exercise through paid advertisements in several national media. Interested applicants, the PSC said, were given six weeks to conclude the online applications (October 15 to November 26, 2023) in line with the Federal Character requirements.

    A total of 609,886 applications, the commission said, were received while 416,323 applicants, who met the advertised requirements, were shortlisted for the second stage of the exercise – the physical and document screening.

    The statement added: “This stage was held in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) between Monday, January 8 to Monday, January 29, 2024.

    “The commission, after the physical and credentials screening, shortlisted 171,956 applicants who met the requirements for the Computer-Based Tests (CBT) conducted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), an organisation renowned for its expertise in computer-based tests.”

  • JUST IN: PSC releases 10,000 successful candidates list for police recruitment 

    JUST IN: PSC releases 10,000 successful candidates list for police recruitment 

    …says merit, gender sensitivity and federal character considered 

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved and released the list of 10,000 successful applicants for recruitment into the Constable cadre of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    The Commission on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, received the report of the Police Recruitment Board.

    9,000 applicants were approved for recruitment for General Duty while 1,000 applicants were recruited for the Specialists cadre.

    PSC said to ensure fairness and justice in the Recruitment process, the Commission worked with guidance from relevant stakeholders including the Nigeria Police Force, the National Assembly and the Federal Character Commission.

    According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, PSC ensured equity in the spread of successful candidates across the 774 local government areas of the country. 

    Ani said the Commission had earlier inaugurated a Recruitment Board – a broad-based stakeholders body populated by representatives from the Commission, the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Police Affairs, Federal Character Commission,  Police Colleges and the Police Trust Fund to Superintendent over the recruitment process and report back to the Commission. 

    He said interested Nigerian youths were invited to apply online for consideration for the subsequent stages of the exercise through paid advertisements in several national media. Interested applicants were given six weeks to conclude the online applications (15th October to 26th November 2023) in line with the Federal Character requirements. 

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    A total of 609,886 applications, Ani said were received  while 416,323 applicants who met the advertised requirements were shortlisted for the second stage of the exercise which was physical and document screening. 

    He said: “This stage held in the 36 states of the Federation and Federal Capital Territory between Monday, 8th to Monday 29th January 2024.

    “The Commission, after the physical and credentials screening, shortlisted 171,956 applicants who met the requirements for the Computer Based Tests (CBT) conducted by the Joint Admission and Martriculation Board, JAMB an organisation renowed for its expertise in Computer based tests. 

    “15,447 General duty applicants who did well in the  CBT were further invited for medical screening to determine their health status. The 55,645 Specialists who were shortlisted  from the Physical and credentials screening were subjected to practical tests and later medical screening. Each stage of the Recruitment process was carried out with a high level of scrutiny and care .

    “A total of 10000 applicants made up of 9000 General Duty and 1000 Specialists were recommended for final selection. 

    “The selection of specialists were done in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Force on the need assessment ensuring capability and balance of geographical representation”.

    Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase said the rigorous recruitment process was to enhance the capacity and effectiveness  of the Nigeria Police Force and to reinforce  its commitment  to community rooted and service oriented policing.

    According to him: “I am filled with optimism because these young men and women  represent the future of our nation’s security and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that their journey  begins on a foundation  of integrity,  transparency  and excellence”.

    The PSC Chairman  disclosed that the entire process reflects a deliberate  effort  to build a Police Force that is competent, reliable and truly representative of the best that Nigeria has to offer.

    He noted that the final selection process was meticulously structured to ensure fairness and inclusivity with 10 candidates selected from each of the 774 local government  areas as advised by the National Assembly  in its Plenary decision of Thursday  February  29th 2024 aimed at creating a representative  and diverse Police Force.

    The PSC Chairman disclosed that to uphold the highest standards of confidentiality , “list of successful  candidates must be presented  to the public in a manner compliant with the Nigeria Data protection  Act of 2023”. 

    This he noted will ensure that the personal data of the Recruits who are entering a sensitive  security  Organisation, remain secure, thereby protecting  their personal  and  family safety.

    The statement said candidates are invited to check the status of their application through the Police Service Commission dedicated Web page which can be accessed on computers and mobile devices on www.policeservicecommission.cloud.

    Applicants are also to contact the PSC recruitment help desk on WhatsApp numbers 08094767777 and 09031318499 for complaints or inquiries.

  • Police recruitment exercise successful, says Arase

    Police recruitment exercise successful, says Arase

    The chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Solomon Arase, has declared the ongoing police recruitment exercise which came to an end this weekend across the federation a huge success.

    Arase has already visited four centres, Zone 5 in Benin, Zone 7 in Abuja, Zone 1 in Kano and Zone 14 in Katsina. 

    He will be in Zone 2 Lagos and Zone 11 Osogbo this week as the exercise winds up.

    In the course of his tour, he also visited some stakeholders, which included the former President, Muhamnadu Buhari, the Emir of Daura Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk and many others. 

    Arase said the commission has ensured that the ongoing recruitment exercise had the buy in of relevant stakeholders so that at the end of the exercise

    He said: “We would have recruited young Nigerians who will have the endorsement of Nigerians”.

    He noted that this was the reason the Commission set up an independent Recruitment Board which is made up of representatives of the Police Service Commission, Nigeria Police Force, Ministry of Police Affairs, Federal Character Commission, Police Trust Fund and Police Colleges.  

    According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC Chairman said the exercise has been a huge success, adding that at last Nigerian youths are now desirous to join the Nigeria Police Force and contribute to the fight to save Nigeria.

    He noted that a new template for recruitment in Nigeria which gives room for collective and inclusive participation has been put in place by the Commission and which he is recommending to other Agencies of Government. 

    Arase also commended the Police Recruitment Board for its forthrightness and commitment to the national assignment.

    He noted that in the places he visited, there was visible enthusiasm by the youths to be counted in these new efforts to improve policing in Nigeria.

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    Arase said: “We will not take this enthusiasm for granted as the Commission will ensure that fairness, equity and merit will remain the basis for the final selection”.

    He however warned that the desperate applicants should not cave in to untoward pressure by fraudsters and even officials at the screening centers to pay money for a place in the final list.

    The PSC boss said there will be consequences for any staff of the Commission or Police Officer found to have compromised in the course of this exercise. 

    The Chairman of the Recruitment Board, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, a Commissioner in the PSC has also visited some zones including Zone 13 in Ukpo Anambra state and Zone 9 Umuahia Abia State and has confirmed that the exercise has received the endorsement of Nigerians.

    He said the ongoing two weeks medical screening was heading to a glorious end.

  • Police recruitment: Adamawa Command shortlists 29,843 candidates

    Police recruitment: Adamawa Command shortlists 29,843 candidates

    The Adamawa Police Command has shortlisted 29,843 candidates for Police constable recruitment exercise in the state.

    The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Suleiman Nguroje, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Yola.

    He said that some 4,000 applicants had been screened during the physical and credential screening exercise expected to end on Jan. 29.

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    According to him, the exercise is being conducted without fear, molestation or intimidation, adding that the Command ensured equity and fairness in the process.

    Nguroje commended the conduct of the prospective recruits for their loyalty and adherence to the stipulated guidelines.

    “They proved to be a punctual in spite of the pressing demands and the rigors of the exercise” he said. 

    (NAN)

  • Police recruitment: 136,177 applicants screened, 108,768 candidates uploaded

    Police recruitment: 136,177 applicants screened, 108,768 candidates uploaded

    • Arase hails process

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) has said it had screened 136,177 applicants in the ongoing police recruitment.

    The commission achieved the feat within six days of the exercise, which started on Monday, January 8 throughout the federation.

    Through the Police Recruitment Board, the PSC is currently screening 416,270 Nigerian youths who have shown interest and applied to be considered for a career in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    The candidates undergo physical and credentials screening, a prelude to an aptitude test and other processes, including medical examination.

    A statement yesterday in Abuja by the commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, reads: “The commission has, with the ongoing recruitment exercise, upgraded and automated the processes to ensure its credibility and create a measurable standard for final selection of successful candidates. “Results/outcomes of the screening are uploaded real time on the commission’s portal and monitored by the Situation Room set up and led by the commission’s Chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase, CFR, retired Inspector General of Police (IGP).

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    “Out of the 136,177 candidates screened, 108,768 have been successfully uploaded, the difference being problems/challenges from fluctuating network.

    “The PSC chairman, who is the National Coordinator for the Recruitment, has expressed satisfaction with the commitment of both the commission’s workers, the police officials and other members of the Police Recruitment Board.

    “He confirmed that there has been a commendable improvement in both screening and uploading rates and a complementary daily reportage of figures.

    “Dr. Arase congratulated the field work force and charged them: ‘Let’s maintain this momentum and strive for even greater achievements.’

    “He assured the candidates that they should not panic, and rest assured that they would all be screened before the end of the exercise, adding that he is aware of the heavy traffic at the screening centres.

    “Dr. Arase said the commission is giving the nation a new and credible platform for recruitment into the public service, insisting that the ongoing police recruitment would surely meet all known international standards devoid of any manipulation.

    “He repeated that the nation would be proud of the products of this exercise. He, however, said the commission may review the sequence of the exercise, where the aptitude tests may come first.”

    “Dr. Arase noted that reports from the field showed a curious development where many candidates with beautiful Senior Secondary School Certificates (SSSC) and National Examination Council certificates cannot write their names or ordinarily introduce themselves.

    “He wondered how they acquired such excellent certificates, adding that the aptitude tests coming as a first stage of the recruitment process would help eliminate obviously unqualified candidates and reduce the size of persons that would subsequently appear for screening.

    “He announced that the commission will surely get it right and produce a template for effective and efficient recruitment exercise in Nigeria.

    “When we get it right at the entry point, we would have almost got 60 per cent quality in the expected performance of the officers, and that is our objective.”

  • Police recruitment: 136,177 candidates screened – PSC

    Police recruitment: 136,177 candidates screened – PSC

    A total of 136,177 candidates for the ongoing Police recruitment exercise have already been screened just six days after the commencement of the exercise on Monday, January 8, throughout the federation.

    The Police Service Commission (PSC), through the Police Recruitment Board, is currently Screening 416, 270 Nigerian youths who have shown interest and applied to be considered for a career in the Nigeria Police Force.

    The candidates are being subjected to physical and credentials screening, a prelude to an aptitude test and other processes including medical examination.

    According to a statement issued on Tuesday, January 16, by the Head of Press and Public Relations, PSC Ikechukwu Ani: “The Commission has with the ongoing recruitment exercise, upgraded and automated the processes to ensure its credibility and create a measurable standard for final selection of successful candidates. Results/outcome of the screening exercise are uploaded in real-time to the Commission’s portal and monitored by the Situation Room set up and led by Commission Chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase CFR,  retired Inspector General of Police.

    “Out of the 136, 177 candidates screened, 108,768 have been successfully uploaded, the difference being problems/challenges from fluctuating network.

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    “The PSC Chairman who is the national coordinator for the Recruitment exercise has expressed his satisfaction with the commitment of both the Commission Staff, the Police Officials and other Members of the Police Recruitment Board.

    “He confirmed that there has been a commendable improvement in both screening and uploading rates and a complimentary daily reportage of figures.

    “Dr. Arase congratulated the field workforce and charged them “let’s maintain this momentum and strive for even greater achievements”.

    “He assured the candidates that they should not panic and be rest assured that they will all be screened before the end of the screening exercise, adding that he is aware of the heavy traffic at the screening centres.

    “Dr. Arase said the Commission is giving the nation a new and credible platform for recruitment into the public Service insisting that the ongoing Police recruitment will surely meet all known international standards devoid of any manipulation.

    “He repeated that the nation will be proud of the products of this exercise. He however said the Commission may review the sequence of the exercise where the aptitude tests may come first.

    “Dr. Arase noted that reports from the field showed a curious development where many candidates with beautiful Senior Secondary School Certificates (SSSC) and National Examination Council certificates cannot write their names or ordinarily introduce themselves.

    “He wondered how they acquired such excellent certificates adding that aptitude tests coming as a first stage of the recruitment process will help eliminate unqualified candidates and reduce the size of persons that would subsequently appear for screening.

    “He disclosed that the Commission will surely get it right and produce a template for effective and efficient recruitment exercises in Nigeria. When we get it right at the entry point, we would have almost gotten sixty percent quality in the expected performance of the Officers and that is our objective.”

  • ‘Why we are ensuring diversities in police recruitment’

    ‘Why we are ensuring diversities in police recruitment’

    The Minister of State, Police Affairs, Hon Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has said the Ministry is ensuring that the ongoing recruitment into the Police Force is diverse and reflective of the geo-political zones of the country.

    This, she said, is with a consideration of the multi ethnic groups as well as achieving a balance based on the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    The Minister on Tuesday in Abuja, added that diversity in police recruitments is an important and ongoing issue for law enforcement agencies around the world.

    She said when the police force is more representative of the population, it can build trust and enhance relationships within the communities.

    Sulaiman stated that a diverse police force is less likely to exhibit systemic biases and discrimination, and can bring unique perspectives and help address issues related to racial, ethnic, and cultural biases.

    According to her, a diverse police force can be more effective in addressing the complex and varied issues that the country faces.

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    She said different perspectives and experiences can lead to more creative and comprehensive problem-solving.

    Her words: “Ours is a diverse community, having officers who speak multiple languages and understand different cultures is vital for effective policing. Police departments have been actively reaching out to underrepresented communities through their community leaders, traditional institutions, job fairs, community events, and partnerships with local organizations. Building relationships with these communities can encourage more diverse candidates to consider law enforcement as a career.

    “Reviewing and adjusting hiring criteria to ensure they are fair and don’t disproportionately exclude candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. This may include reconsidering educational requirements or modifying certain aspects of physical fitness testing towards ensuring more representations without sacrificing merit.

    “We are ensuring that existing officers and recruiters recognize and address implicit biases during the recruitment process and subsequent ones. This can help ensure a more equitable selection process.

    “And in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President, we are implementing community policing strategies that fosters positive interactions between officers and community members. Building trust is a key aspect of improving diversity, and we are also working hard towards establishing support groups and networks for officers from underrepresented backgrounds within the department. This can help with retention and career development.”

    The minister also spoke on her plans for mentorship and pathways programmes that will help guide and support individuals from underrepresented groups who are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement.

    She encouraged the recruitment and retention of women in law enforcement, saying it was also important. 

    She said gender diversity can help improve community relations and bring different perspectives to policing, which can be beneficial in various situations.

    She added that based on her training on security matters, advocates for diversity in policing often call for policy reforms that address systemic issues, such as racial profiling, excessive use of force and discriminatory practices. 

    “So I encourage the Police departments to continue collecting, and publicly publishing data on the demographics of their officers, as well as information on stops, arrests, and use of force, to identify disparities and areas for improvement,” she said.

    The Minister, who is at the verge of completing her PhD research programme at the School of Postgraduate Studies at the Nigerian Defense Academy in Kaduna, stated that it was important to recognize that achieving diversity in police departments is an ongoing process and can face challenges related to cultural resistance, historical biases, and systemic issues. 

    She said addressing these challenges is critical for building trust and ensuring fair and effective law enforcement in communities.

  • Police recruitment: Kaduna, Adamawa, Borno lead

    Police recruitment: Kaduna, Adamawa, Borno lead

    • Arase worried over low application from Southeast
    • From Gbenga Omokhunu and Sophia Anumaka, Abuja

    Kaduna State is leading with 20,259 as of day nine in the ongoing recruitment exercise for General Duty Constables in the Nigeria Police Force.

    Anambra State has the lowest number with 541 applications.

    Following Kaduna State is Adamawa State (18,933); Borno State (18,305); Bauchi State (16,554); Katsina State (16,232) and Kano State (15,888).

    A statement yesterday by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Police Service Commission (PSC), Ikechukwu Ani, reads: “Next to Anambra State from the rear are Ebonyi (737 applications); Abia (966) and Imo (999). Bayelsa State has 1,020 applications; Enugu (1,036); Lagos (1,259); Delta (1,338) and Edo (1,526).

    “Meanwhile the applicants comprise 242,391 males and 35,405 females.”

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    Ani added that Chairman of the Commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, a retired Inspector General of Police (IG), is concerned with the continued disinterest of Southeast youths in pursuing a career in the police. 

    “Dr. Arase noted that the Southeast, currently a hotbed for non-state actors’ rebellion, should have been at the forefront to join the police and bring an indigenous solution to the menace. He thus called on the leadership of the zone to convince its youths to embrace the ongoing recruitment.

    “The PSC Chairman said it will be difficult for anyone to listen to cries of marginalisation from leaders of the zone if they choose to remain indifferent to government’s generous decision to employ youths into the Police Force.”