The Nigeria Police Force has raised serious concerns over alleged irregularities and corruption in the recently released list of successful candidates for the 2022/23 police constables recruitment.
This follows numerous complaints from unsuccessful candidates and stakeholders about the exclusion of names of individuals who had progressed to the final stage.
In a statement on Saturday, Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi highlighted that an examination of the published list revealed significant anomalies.
“Several names on the list are those of individuals who did not apply and did not participate in the recruitment exercise,” he said.
Adejobi further pointed out that the list included names of candidates who had failed either the Computer Based Test or the physical screening, as well as those disqualified for being medically unfit.
“Most worrisome is the allegation of financial dealings and corrupt practices leading to the inclusion of unqualified and untrainable individuals,” he added.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun had, on June 10, written to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) objecting to the list and highlighting the irregularities found.
The IGP’s objection was made without prejudice to the PSC’s authority to recruit for the police, as established by the Supreme Court.
However, Adejobi stressed that this authority does not extend to recruiting unqualified and untrained individuals.
“The police bear the brunt of recruiting unqualified individuals, not the PSC,” Adejobi stated. “The same people who recruited unqualified candidates today will accuse the police of inefficiency tomorrow when their recruits start underperforming.”
The police have dissociated themselves from the published list and are calling for a transparent and credible review of the recruitment process.
They aim to recruit “qualified, competent, trainable, and productive individuals into the Nigeria Police Force,” aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for police reform.
Adejobi assured the public that the police are committed to ensuring a thorough review of the process, aiming for a fruitful and successful outcome for the betterment of the force and the country.
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