Receives 616,873 Applications as Recruitment into Enters Screening Stage

Receives 616,873 Applications as Recruitment into Enters Screening StageT

 The Police Service Commission (PSC) has announced that a total of 616,873 applications were received in the ongoing recruitment exercise into the Nigeria Police Force  (NPF), as the process moves into the physical screening and verification stage nationwide.

Speaking at a press briefing held on February 25, 2026, at the in Jabi, Abuja, DIG (Dr) Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd), Chairman of the PSC Standing Committee on Police Matters, said the Commission remains committed to a transparent, merit-driven, inclusive, and credible recruitment process.

Lakanu expressed appreciation to President for approving the recruitment of 50,000 additional personnel into the Force, describing the decision as a major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s internal security architecture.

According to him, the application portal, which opened on December 15, 2025, and closed on February 8, 2026, recorded 616,873 submissions. Of this number, 348,974 applied for General Duty, while 85,630 applied as Specialists.

He disclosed that 434,604 applicants qualified for further screening, while 121,596 were deemed unqualified and 60,673 submissions were invalid.

On gender distribution, Lakanu revealed that 442,592 male applicants and 114,640 female applicants applied, reflecting what he described as the continued confidence of Nigerian youths in policing as a career of honour and service.

State Participation and Federal Character

The PSC chairman acknowledged disparities in state participation during the early phase of the exercise, with some states recording significantly low application numbers.

To address the imbalance, the Commission, in consultation with the NPF and other stakeholders, approved a two-week extension of the deadline to allow for intensified sensitisation efforts in low-performing states.

The final state-by-state analysis showed that Adamawa State topped the list with 38,989 applications, followed by Benue (34,511), Kaduna (30,397), and Borno (24,009).

States with the lowest applications included Ebonyi (1,667), Anambra (1,739), Bayelsa (2,430), and Lagos (2,448).

Lakanu emphasized that despite disparities, the overall spread aligns with the principle of Federal Character, which the Commission considers sacrosanct.

Screening, Examinations, and Drug Tests

He announced that physical screening and credential verification will commence on Monday, March 9, 2026, across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Applicants will be notified through official channels only.

Candidates who pass the physical screening will proceed to computer-based examinations, medical evaluations, and comprehensive drug integrity tests in collaboration with the (NDLEA).

Lakanu made it clear that drug users and individuals of questionable character would not be admitted into the Force, stressing that integrity remains non-negotiable.

Successful candidates will be posted to designated Police Colleges for training before deployment to various commands and formations.

Whistle-Blowing Policy Introduced

To enhance transparency, the PSC has introduced a whistle-blowing policy on police recruitment, enabling members of the public to report suspected irregularities. The Commission assured that all reports would be handled confidentially and investigated thoroughly.

Lakanu described the 2026 recruitment exercise as the most inclusive in the Commission’s history, noting the active involvement of the Federal Character Commission, the Ministry of Police Affairs, state guidance and counselling departments, civil society organisations, the Police Community Relations Committee, and the NDLEA.

He reiterated that the credibility of the Nigeria Police Force begins at recruitment, warning that compromised entry standards would undermine efforts to build a professional and world-class police institution.

“The Police Service Commission understands the gravity of the responsibility entrusted to it. We are committed to delivering a fair, transparent, and merit-based recruitment process that will ultimately give Nigeria the Police Force it truly deserves,” Lakanu said.

He thanked the media and other stakeholders for their continued partnership in nation-building and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to accountability throughout the recruitment exercise.