The Nigeria Police Force has voiced significant concerns over the recent police constable recruitment exercise, citing allegations of corruption and irregularities.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) had published a list of successful candidates, which has now come under intense scrutiny.
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Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force spokesperson, revealed on Saturday that the police were alarmed to find discrepancies in the published list.
Names of candidates who had successfully passed the screening stages mysteriously disappeared, prompting a thorough investigation by the police authorities.
Adejobi, an assistant commissioner of police, noted that numerous complaints from candidates alleging corrupt practices in the recruitment process led to a detailed examination of the PSC’s list.
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He highlighted that the police have officially distanced themselves from the list, stating it included individuals who had failed the computer-based test (CBT), physical screening, or both. Additionally, some candidates disqualified due to medical issues were inexplicably included in the list.
“The most troubling aspect is the allegation of financial dealings and corrupt practices, which resulted in the shortlisting of unqualified and untrainable individuals,” Adejobi stated.
In response to these findings, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun sent a “letter of objection” to the PSC Chairperson on Monday.
The letter outlined the discrepancies discovered in the list, emphasizing that while the PSC has the authority to recruit for the police, this power does not extend to enlisting unqualified individuals.
Adejobi stressed that the Nigerian police, not the PSC, would ultimately suffer from the recruitment of unqualified candidates.
“The Nigeria Police Force takes exception to this unpleasant development and calls for a total review of the process to ensure the recruitment of qualified, competent, trainable, and productive individuals, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision for police reform,” he said.
The police spokesperson also expressed concern for the candidates who underwent rigorous screening processes, vowing that the police would ensure a thorough review to uphold the integrity of the recruitment exercise.
The controversy highlights the ongoing challenges in reforming Nigeria’s police recruitment processes and underscores the need for transparency and accountability to build a competent and effective police force.
