The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed allegations of irregularities in its recent promotion exercise, describing claims of discrepancies as baseless and misleading.
In a statement aimed at clarifying the issue, the Force said a total of 74,352 officers were promoted across various ranks nationwide, as part of efforts to boost morale, strengthen leadership, and enhance operational effectiveness within the organisation.
The promotions, which cut across both senior and junior cadres, were approved following due process and in line with existing regulations, the NPF stated.
According to the Force Public Relations Department, 45 Commissioners of Police were promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspectors-General, while 69 Deputy Commissioners were elevated to Commissioners of Police. In addition, 156 Assistant Commissioners were promoted to Deputy Commissioners.
The statement further disclosed that 1,014 Superintendents of Police were promoted to Chief Superintendents, while 270 Chief Superintendents were elevated to the rank of Assistant Commissioners of Police.
Reacting to allegations of a promotion scandal, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, firmly rejected the claims, insisting that the exercise was conducted transparently and fairly.
“We will not be swayed by those who trade in falsehood or seek to undermine the integrity of our institution. There is no promotion scandal in the Nigeria Police Force,” Egbetokun said.
He added: “What we have is a system that rewards diligence, professionalism, and proven capacity.”
The Inspector-General noted that the promotions form part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the Force, improving efficiency, and strengthening public confidence in policing.
A further breakdown of the exercise shows that 980 Assistant Superintendents were promoted to Deputy Superintendents, 615 Deputy Superintendents to Superintendents, 30,828 Inspectors to Assistant Superintendents, 16,970 Sergeants to Inspectors, 8,840 Corporals to Sergeants, and 58 Police Constables to Corporals.
