PSC Sets Rules For Recruitment of 50,000 Police Officers

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has moved to formalise the framework for the recruitment of 50,000 new police officers, holding a strategic stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja with the Nigeria Police Force, the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Federal Character Commission.​ The session, which took place at the PSC headquarters on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, is part of efforts to expand police manpower while rebuilding public trust in the recruitment process.​

According to the Commission, the meeting focused on producing a seamless, transparent and credible exercise that will be guided by fairness, equity and merit in line with constitutional provisions.​ The planned recruitment, one of the largest single intakes in recent years, is expected to significantly boost the operational capacity and presence of the Nigeria Police Force across the country.​

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Police Service Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd), represented by DIG (Dr) Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to run an open, inclusive and professionally managed process.​ Lakanu, who chairs the PSC Standing Committee on Nigeria Police Force Matters, stressed that the exercise must reflect the diversity of the federation while prioritising competence and integrity among applicants.​

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police Affairs, Dr Anuma Ogbonnaya, led the ministry’s delegation and pledged full cooperation with the Commission to deliver a credible outcome.​ Ogbonnaya expressed optimism that the coordinated approach between the PSC, the Police and oversight bodies would help address longstanding concerns about politicisation and corruption in police recruitment.​

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At the end of deliberations, stakeholders resolved that strict adherence to the federal character principle would guide the allocation of slots to all states and geopolitical zones.​ The Commission said the arrangement is intended to guarantee equitable representation and promote national unity, ensuring that no part of the country is sidelined in the recruitment of the new officers.​

The meeting also agreed on the need to deliberately promote gender inclusivity, with clear measures to encourage the entry of more qualified women into the Force.​ Officials noted that a more gender-balanced police service is essential for improving community trust, handling sensitive cases and strengthening the institution’s overall professionalism.​

To reinforce credibility, the PSC announced that the recruitment will be driven by technology and will be publicly accessible, with processes designed to limit human interference.​ The Commission said electronic platforms and clearly defined procedures will be deployed to reduce opportunities for manipulation, favouritism and illicit payments by desperate applicants.​

Stakeholders further resolved to work in synergy throughout the exercise, pledging to safeguard the integrity of the recruitment, promote national cohesion and meet the expectations of Nigerians.​ The PSC emphasised that all actions will be guided by extant laws, regulations and guidelines that govern appointments into the Nigeria Police Force.​

The Commission used the opportunity to warn Nigerians against fake recruitment notices and unauthorised portals already circulating online in the name of police recruitment.​ It reiterated that no portal has been opened for applications and that any genuine recruitment announcement will be issued only through official and verified channels of the PSC and the Nigeria Police Force.​

For prospective applicants, the PSC gave an assurance that the forthcoming recruitment will be conducted with the highest level of accountability and subject to public scrutiny.​ It added that detailed guidelines, timelines and application procedures will be announced in due course once all preparatory work is concluded.