The Nigeria Police Force has raised alarm over a rising trend of lobbying among its personnel, warning that any attempt to influence promotions through unofficial channels will attract serious disciplinary consequences.
The Force, in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, described the development as “unethical” and a clear violation of the core values of merit and professionalism.
“The Nigeria Police Force has observed with concern the growing wave of lobbying and unofficial requests directed at the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission by certain officers seeking special promotions,” the statement read.
The warning follows a series of misleading reports circulating online, suggesting that the police hierarchy has opened the door for arbitrary or special promotion exercises. The Force debunked these claims, saying they were prompted by misinterpretations of a recent round of accelerated promotions awarded to a select group of officers.
“These reports are baseless, misleading, and intended to undermine the integrity of the Force’s promotion process,” Adejobi said.
He clarified that the recent promotions were given strictly to officers who met clearly defined standards — those who had shown exceptional bravery, performance, and commitment in the line of duty.
“These accelerated promotions were not arbitrary but were part of a well-structured reward system… and the officers who benefited were those who met the standardized guidelines,” he said.
While reaffirming the Force’s commitment to fairness, transparency, and due process, Adejobi stressed that no officer should seek to bypass the system through personal influence or pressure.
“Such conduct is unethical, undermines the principles of meritocracy and professionalism, and will attract severe disciplinary action by extant laws and regulations,” he warned.
The police spokesperson urged officers to remain disciplined and focused on their duties rather than chasing elevation through inappropriate means. He assured that promotions will continue to be based on verifiable merit and honourable service.
“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to a promotion system anchored on integrity, verifiable merit, and honourable service to the nation,” the statement added.
Adejobi also called on the public to disregard online publications portraying the Force’s promotion exercise as arbitrary, insisting that such reports only serve to mislead and cause unrest within the ranks.
