The Police Service Commission (PSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to a merit-driven and transparent recruitment process into the Nigeria Police Force, revealing that over 600,000 applications were received during the recently concluded eight-week window.
Speaking at the Solomon Arase Conference Hall at the PSC Headquarters in Jabi on Wednesday, DIG (Dr.) Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd), Chairman of the Standing Committee on Police Matters, provided a comprehensive update on the initiative aimed at bolstering the nation’s internal security.
Securitynewsalert.com heard that the exercise follows a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to inject 50,000 additional personnel into the force to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
“From the outset, we promised the Nigerian people a process that would be transparent, merit-driven, inclusive, and credible,” DIG Lakanu stated during the briefing. “Today, we stand before you to demonstrate that this promise is being faithfully kept.”
According to the official data released by the Commission, a total of 616,873 applications were received before the portal closed on February 8, 2026. Of these, 348,974 candidates applied for General Duty positions, while 85,630 applied as Specialists. After an initial vetting process, 434,604 applicants were cleared for further screening, while 121,596 were disqualified and 60,673 submissions were flagged as invalid.
The demographic breakdown showed a significant interest from Nigerian youth, with 442,592 male and 114,640 female applicants. DIG Lakanu noted that these figures reflect “the continued confidence of Nigerian youths in the Nigeria Police Force as a career of honour and service.”
However, the recruitment process has not been without its challenges, particularly regarding regional representation. The Commission noted wide disparities in application numbers across different states. While Adamawa State led the federation with 38,989 applications, followed by Benue with 34,511 and Kaduna with 30,397, other states saw significantly lower engagement. Ebonyi recorded the lowest turnout with only 1,667 applications, followed closely by Anambra at 1,739 and Bayelsa at 2,430.
To address these imbalances, the PSC implemented a two-week extension to allow for increased sensitization. DIG Lakanu emphasized that despite the variations, the Commission remains dedicated to the principle of Federal Character to ensure equitable representation across the country.
The next phase of the recruitment, consisting of physical screening and credential verification, is scheduled to begin nationwide on Monday, March 9, 2026. Candidates who pass this stage will undergo computer-based examinations, medical evaluations, and comprehensive drug integrity tests conducted in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
“Let me state this without ambiguity: drug users and persons of questionable character will not find their way into the Nigeria Police Force,” DIG Lakanu warned. “Our partnership with the NDLEA ensures that only candidates of sound health, good character, and proven integrity will be admitted.”
To safeguard the integrity of the process, the Commission has introduced a new Whistle-Blowing Policy, encouraging the public to report any suspected irregularities or corruption. Lakanu stressed that building a professional, world-class police institution starts with uncompromising entry standards.
“The credibility of the Nigeria Police Force begins at the recruitment stage. You cannot build a professional and world-class police institution on compromised entry standards,” he concluded, adding that the Commission is fully aware of the gravity of its responsibility to the Nigerian people.
