The Nigeria Police Force has announced the promotion of 74,352 officers across different ranks nationwide since January 2025, firmly rejecting allegations that the exercise was marred by irregularities.
Details released on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Department showed that the promotions spanned both senior and junior cadres, covering officers from the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) down to Corporal.
According to the breakdown, 45 Commissioners of Police were elevated to the rank of Assistant Inspectors-General, while 69 Deputy Commissioners of Police advanced to Commissioners. In addition, 156 Assistant Commissioners of Police were promoted to Deputy Commissioners.
The Force also approved the promotion of 1,014 Superintendents of Police to Chief Superintendents, as well as 270 Chief Superintendents to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police.
Further promotions included 980 Assistant Superintendents of Police I to Deputy Superintendents, 615 Deputy Superintendents to Superintendents, and 30,828 Inspectors to Assistant Superintendents of Police I.
At the junior cadre level, 16,970 Sergeants were promoted to Inspectors, 8,840 Corporals advanced to Sergeants, while 58 Police Constables rose to the rank of Corporal.
Responding to public criticism surrounding the promotion exercise, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, dismissed reports of a promotion scandal, insisting that the process was transparent and merit-based.
“There is no promotion scandal in the Nigeria Police Force. The exercise was conducted strictly in line with established procedures and professional standards,” Egbetokun said.
He added that the Force would not be distracted by what he described as unfounded allegations aimed at undermining institutional credibility.
“We will not be deterred by misinformation or attempts to cast doubt on the integrity of the system. Promotions are earned through diligence, competence and proven service,” the police chief stated.
The Police Force noted that the promotions form part of ongoing reform efforts aimed at improving morale, strengthening leadership capacity and enhancing overall operational effectiveness.
