The Nigeria Police Force is raising concerns over alleged irregularities and corruption seen in the recently unveiled list of successful candidates in the ongoing 2022/23 police constables recruitment process.
An uproar ensued following complaints from unsuccessful candidates and stakeholders regarding the exclusion of names of individuals who had successfully completed all stages of the screening process.
In a press release issued on Saturday, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, pointed out numerous discrepancies found in the published list.
According to him, “Several names listed as successful candidates are of individuals who didn’t even apply and were not part of the recruitment exercise.”
Adejobi also highlighted that the list included names of candidates who had failed the Computer Based Test or physical screening, as well as those rejected due to medical reasons.
“Of great concern is the suspicion of financial misconduct and corrupt practices that have led to the selection of unqualified and unskilled individuals,” he remarked.
The police spokesperson disclosed that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, had formally objected to the list in a letter dated June 10 to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, citing the observed irregularities.
“The IGP’s response does not challenge the commission’s authority to conduct police recruitment, as decided by the Supreme Court. However, this authority does not extend to recruiting unqualified and untrained personnel for the force,” Adejobi clarified.
He emphasized, “It is the police force that bears the consequences of recruiting unqualified individuals, not the PSC. Those responsible for reckless recruitment today may blame the police for inefficiencies tomorrow when the recruits fail to perform.”
Adejobi announced that the police distance themselves from the published list and are calling for a transparent and fair reassessment of the recruitment process to bring in “qualified, skilled, trainable, and efficient personnel into the Nigeria Police Force, aligning with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration on police reform.”
He further assured that the police are fully committed to ensuring a comprehensive review of the process for the benefit of the force and the nation.