Police, PSC settle rift on 10,000 new recruits

After weeks-long disagreement, the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission have finally resolved their differences on the newly recruited 10,000 constables.

The police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Tuesday, said the police had finally accepted the list of the recruits, earlier rejected the allegation that the process was marred by corruption.

Adejobi confirmed Monday’s statement by the PSC that the training of the recruits would begin on August 10.

The NPF had in June rejected the list of 10,000 recruits released by the PSC under its immediate-past chairman, Solomon Arase.

The police alleged that some qualified candidates were replaced with unqualified ones and demanded a cancellation of the entire process.

The PSC, however, denied the allegation and flatly rejected the demand for cancellation.

The stalemate prompted the Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, and other stakeholders to step into the matter.

On Monday, in a statement by its spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC announced that the training of the recruits would commence on August 10.

The police spokesman, Adejobi, in his own statement on Tuesday, quoted the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, as confirming that the police and the PSC were now on the same page concerning the 10,000 recruits.

Adejobi said the police and the PSC came to an agreement following extensive deliberations.

He said, “The Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission have finally reached an agreement regarding the final merit list for the recruitment of police constables into the Nigeria Police Force.”

Following extensive deliberations and collaboration, both the NPF and the PSC have worked diligently to ensure that the recruitment process remains transparent, fair, and merit-based.

“The Inspector General of Police expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the agreement on the final merit list is a testament to the commitment of both the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission to work together in the best interest of the country.”

According to him, the IG expressed confidence that the recruits will contribute significantly to the mission of the Federal Government of Nigeria to create employment opportunities for the Nigerian youths, boost internal security mechanisms, and maintain law and order.

Adejobi said following the directive of the  IG, the newly recruited constables would be trained on modern policing ethics and principles.

He said, “In light of this development, training for the newly recruited officers is scheduled to commence on Saturday, August 10, 2024. The training programme will be intensive and designed to equip the recruits with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively and uphold the core values of the Nigeria Police Force.

“In furtherance of the directive of the IGP, the trainees are to be schooled in modern policing ethics and principles, community policing strategies, ICT, artificial intelligence, human relations, attitudinal and behavioural change etc.

“The Inspector General of Police extends gratitude to all stakeholders and the general public for their patience and support throughout this process,” he said.