The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stern warning to its personnel against lobbying for special promotions, following what it described as an increasing trend of officers making unofficial requests to the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Commissioner of Police Muyiwa Adejobi, expressed concern over the development.
“The Nigeria Police Force is concerned over 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,” Adejobi stated.
The warning follows the recent approval of accelerated promotions for a number of officers deemed deserving by the police leadership. Adejobi emphasized that the recent promotions were not randomly awarded but followed a structured and merit-driven process.
“This surge follows the recent approval of accelerated promotions for a number of deserving officers who have distinguished themselves through exemplary service,” he noted.
“The Force wishes to categorically state that these accelerated promotions were not arbitrary but were part of a well-structured reward system, set up by the police leadership.”
He explained that officers who benefitted from the exercise met clearly defined standards and exhibited exemplary qualities.
“They are aimed at recognizing officers who have demonstrated outstanding performance, uncommon bravery, professional excellence, and commitment to duty, and the officers who benefited were those who met the standardised guidelines for such accelerated promotion.”
Adejobi further clarified that the promotion exercise should not be misinterpreted as a blanket or indiscriminate process.
“The recent exercise does not signify the commencement of a general or indiscriminate special promotion scheme,” he affirmed.
