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.
Following numerous complaints from unsuccessful candidates and stakeholders about the disappearance of names of those who were screened and successful up to the final stage, the police have demanded a review of the list.
In a statement on Saturday, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, highlighted several anomalies discovered in the published list. “Several names of persons purported to be successful candidates are those who did not even apply and therefore did not take part in the recruitment exercise,” he revealed.
Adejobi added that the list also included candidates who had failed the Computer Based Test or physical screening, as well as those disqualified for medical reasons. “Most worrisome is the allegation of financial dealings and corrupt practices leading to the outcome where unqualified and untrainable individuals have been shortlisted,” he stated.
Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, had written to the Chairman of the Police Service Commission on June 10, objecting to the list and citing the irregularities found. “The reaction of the IGP was without prejudice to the commission’s authority to recruit for the police as ruled by the Supreme Court, but this power does not extend to recruiting unqualified and untrained individuals,” Adejobi noted.
He added, “It is the police that bear the brunt of recruiting unqualified individuals, not the PSC. Those who recruit haphazardly today will criticize the police tomorrow for inefficiency when their recruits underperform.”
The police have distanced themselves from the published list and called for a transparent and credible review of the process 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 that the police are committed to ensuring a thorough review of the recruitment process, aiming for a successful and fruitful outcome for the betterment of the force and the country.
Comments