The Nigeria Police Force has expressed serious concerns regarding the irregularities and alleged corruption in the recently published list of successful candidates for the 2022/23 Police Constables Recruitment Exercise.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, said in a statement that a detailed examination of the list revealed several alarming issues:
- Names of individuals who did not apply or participate in the recruitment process were included as successful candidates.
- The list contained names of candidates who failed either the Computer Based Test (CBT), the physical screening exercise, or both.
- Some individuals who were disqualified for being medically unfit had their names published as successful candidates.
- There are allegations of financial dealings and corrupt practices, suggesting that unqualified and untrainable individuals were shortlisted.
Adejobi said in response to these findings, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) sent a letter on June 10, 2024, to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), objecting to the published list.
“The IGP emphasized that while the PSC has the authority to recruit for the police, this does not extend to recruiting unqualified individuals. He stressed that the police bear the consequences of such recruitment, potentially leading to inefficiency within the force,” he added.
He explained that “The IGP’s objections underscore the need for a transparent and credible review process. The Nigeria Police Force has disassociated itself from the published list and called for a comprehensive review to ensure that only qualified, competent, and trainable individuals are recruited.
“This development follows the Supreme Court ruling affirming the PSC’s power to recruit for the police. Despite this, the PSC’s Joint Recruitment Board, which includes the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Training and Development as its Secretary, was allegedly sidelined and did not consent to the final list.
“The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to addressing the concerns of prospective recruits who have undergone rigorous screening processes. The Force assures that the recruitment process will be thoroughly reviewed to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for police reform, ensuring a productive and efficient police force for the betterment of the country.”
