The Police Service Commission has announced the approval and release of a list comprising 10,000 successful applicants for recruitment into both the constable and specialist cadres of the Nigeria Police Force. This development aims to bolster the force’s manpower and enhance its operational capacity.
In ensuring transparency and equity throughout the recruitment process, the Commission collaborated closely with various stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force, the National Assembly, and the Federal Character Commission. Efforts were made to ensure a fair distribution of successful candidates across all 774 local government areas of the country.
Ikechukwu Ani, the spokesperson for the PSC, disclosed this information in a statement on Tuesday, highlighting the meticulous process undertaken to ensure the integrity of the recruitment exercise.
The recruitment process commenced with the inauguration of a recruitment board comprising representatives from key stakeholders such as the PSC, the NPF, the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Federal Character Commission, Police Colleges, and the Police Trust Fund. Additionally, interested Nigerian youths were invited to apply online within a six-week window between October 15, 2023, and November 26, 2023.
From the pool of applicants, a total of 609,886 applications were received, out of which 416,323 candidates who met the requirements were shortlisted for the next stage. Subsequently, physical and document screenings were conducted across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory between January 8, 2024, and January 29, 2024. Following this, 171,956 applicants were shortlisted for computer-based tests administered by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board.
Ani further explained that candidates who performed well in the CBT underwent medical screening, while specialists underwent practical tests and medical examinations. The rigorous selection process ultimately led to the recommendation of 10,000 applicants, comprising 9,000 for general duty and 1,000 for specialist roles.
The Chairman of the commission, Dr. Solomon Arase, emphasized the significance of this recruitment in shaping the future of the nation’s security. He underscored the importance of integrity, transparency, and excellence as foundational principles for the new recruits.
To ensure inclusivity, Arase highlighted that 10 candidates were selected from each of the 774 local government areas, aligning with recommendations from the National Assembly. Furthermore, measures were put in place to maintain the confidentiality of candidates’ personal data in compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2023, ensuring their security and that of their families.
This recruitment process reflects a concerted effort to build a competent, reliable, and truly representative Police Force that upholds the highest standards of professionalism and service to the nation.