The Nigeria Police Force has issued a strong warning to its personnel against engaging in lobbying or backdoor tactics in pursuit of special promotions, describing such behaviour as unethical and punishable.
In a statement released on Thursday and signed by DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi Force Public Relations Officer, the Force expressed concern over the rising wave of informal requests and lobbying aimed at the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission by officers seeking accelerated elevation in ranks.
According to the statement, this trend was sparked by misleading narratives propagated by certain online platforms following the recent promotion of select officers.
“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.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, emphasized that the recently approved accelerated promotions were strictly based on merit and performance, not favoritism or influence.
He noted that the beneficiaries were officers who demonstrated outstanding commitment to duty, exceptional bravery, and professional excellence, and who met the standardized guidelines set for such recognition.
“These accelerated promotions were not arbitrary but were part of a well-structured reward system aimed at recognizing officers who have distinguished themselves.”
“The recent exercise does not signify the commencement of a general or indiscriminate special promotion scheme,” Adejobi said.
He urged the public to disregard circulating online reports which allege that the Force had commenced arbitrary promotions.
According to him, such reports are false, misleading, and crafted to discredit the police leadership’s transparent and merit-based promotion process.
“Furthermore, officers are strongly cautioned against lobbying or attempting to influence the promotion process through unofficial means. Such conduct is unethical, undermines the principles of meritocracy and professionalism, and will attract severe disciplinary action,” the statement added.
The Force reassured that promotions in the Nigeria Police would continue to be governed by integrity, merit, and honourable service, urging officers to remain dedicated and professional in the discharge of their duties.
