PSC continues promotion exams for senior officers, warns against bribery

The Police Service Commission on Friday continued its compulsory promotion examinations for senior officers, emphasising that the tests are essential to restoring credibility, enhancing professionalism, and improving the public image of the Nigeria Police Force.

This was disclosed on Friday by Head of Press and Public Relations, Police Service Commission, Ikechukwu Ani, who confirmed that 630 Deputy Superintendents of Police were examined for promotion to the rank of Superintendent at the Commission’s Parry Osayande Auditorium, Corporate Headquarters, Jabi, Abuja.

He said the exercise forms part of the PSC’s effort to make promotions merit-based and transparent.

Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Supreme Court Justice and the Commission’s representative for the Judiciary, formally declared the exams open.

He urged officers to constantly seek knowledge and develop their capacity for effective service delivery, stressing that learning and self-improvement are critical for career advancement in the force.

DIG Taiwo Lakanu, retired and fdc, chairman of the Commission’s Standing Committee on Police Matters, described the exams as “not only timely and necessary but will help the image of the Force.”

He noted, “There is a systemic rot in the Force, and that is why we are not much regarded any longer. Police is the only security agency where there is no promotion examination.

“We have decided to do exams, if you fail you fail, we will continue to do the exams and it will help the image of the Police Institution in the eyes of the public.”

Lakanu also delivered a stern warning to officers against attempting to bribe PSC staff, adding, “We will send you away if caught bribing our staff. Please don’t embarrass us, don’t give, our staff cannot help you.”

The Chairman of the PSC, DIG Hashimu Argungu reiterated the importance of transparent, timely, and merit-based promotions.

He highlighted that the exams serve to ensure respect and credibility for officers attaining new ranks.

“The Police of our dream should be the Police that can work with minimal supervision and can deliver without undue influence,” Argungu said.

The PSC’s promotion exams and interviews are scheduled to continue next week for officers in the Commissioner’s cadre, with a plenary meeting expected later this month.

The Commission stressed that these measures are part of a broader effort to professionalise the force, strengthen accountability, and restore public trust in the Nigeria Police.

PUNCH Online had reported that the Nigeria Police Force has disowned a viral public notice circulating on social media announcing a recruitment exercise scheduled to begin on September 22, 2025.

The document, titled “Nigeria Police Force Recruitment Exercise 2025”, invited applications from SSCE, OND, HND, and B.Sc. holders across various disciplines.

It also contained a set of “General Requirements” and “Application Procedure,” which police authorities have now described as fraudulent.(Punch)