IGP Sparks Uproar Over Police Promotions Amid Allegations of Favoritism

The Nigerian Police Force is currently embroiled in controversy following widespread criticism of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, over his latest promotion exercise. According to Sahara Reporters, many officers have raised alarms over alleged favoritism, irregularities, and exclusion within the Force.

At the heart of the matter is the reported preference for officers with PhDs from select private universities, most of whom are based in Abuja or closely linked to top command. This has left numerous senior officers, especially those serving outside the capital, sidelined despite submitting their qualifications as far back as 2023.

Frustration has mounted within the ranks, particularly among inspectors who were confirmed in 2020 but have yet to receive a single promotion. Their counterparts, some of whom were recently recruited, are reportedly being promoted at an unusually fast rate. Over 440 cadet inspectors from the 2012 training batch have also petitioned the IGP, stating they’ve only been promoted once in 13 years of service.

Even more troubling are the allegations of corruption tied to the process. Several officers claimed they were asked to pay as much as ₦30,000 in bribes just to be shortlisted for promotion interviews. Though the Police Service Commission has denied these claims, both the Commission and the IGP have promised to investigate.

This controversy casts a shadow over the integrity of the Nigerian Police Force, with many calling for urgent reform in how promotions are conducted. Officers are demanding a transparent, fair, and merit-based system—free of manipulation and political influence.

As the nation watches closely, all eyes are on the IGP to ensure justice is served and officers are promoted based on merit, not connections.