In the ongoing police recruitment, Adamawa has recorded the highest number of applications, while Ebonyi and Anambra have the lowest, with a total of 616,873 applications received across the country.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) revealed on Wednesday that out of these applications, 434,604 were qualified for further screening, 121,596 were unqualified, and 60,673 were invalid.
Regarding gender distribution, the commission indicated that there were 442,592 male applicants and 114,640 female applicants.
At a press conference in Abuja, the Chairman of the PSC Standing Committee on Police Matters, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd), reported that Adamawa led with 38,989 applications, followed by Benue with 34,511, Kaduna with 30,397, and Borno with 24,009.
He stated, "I am pleased to provide a summary of the applications received: Total applications received: 616,873.
"General Duty applicants: 348,974; Specialist applicants: 85,630; Total qualified for further screening: 434,604; Unqualified applicants: 121,596; Invalid submissions: 60,673. In terms of gender distribution, Male applicants: 442,592 and Female applicants: 114,640.
"The final state-by-state breakdown shows: States with the highest applications: Adamawa State – 38,989; Benue State, 34,511; Kaduna State, 30,397; and Borno State, 24,009."
Lakanu pointed out that some states had low application numbers, with Ebonyi receiving 1,667 applications, Anambra 1,739, Bayelsa 2,430, and Lagos 2,448.
"States with the lowest applications include Ebonyi State, 1,667; Anambra State, 1,739; Bayelsa State, 2,430; and Lagos State, 2,448," he noted.
He explained that significant differences were observed early in the recruitment process, prompting the commission, in consultation with the police and other stakeholders, to approve a two-week extension to allow states with low turnout to enhance their outreach efforts.
According to him, this extension led to improved participation nationwide.
Lakanu stated that the high volume of applications reflects the confidence of Nigerian youth in policing as a respectable and service-oriented career.
He added that the next phase of the recruitment process—physical screening and verification of credentials—will start on March 9, 2026.
The PSC chairman also announced that comprehensive drug integrity tests would be conducted in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to ensure that only candidates of sound health and proven integrity are accepted.
"Drug users and individuals of questionable character will not be admitted into the Nigeria Police Force," Lakanu asserted.
He mentioned that successful candidates would be sent to designated police colleges for training before being deployed to commands and formations for active service.
Lakanu also introduced a whistle-blowing policy for police recruitment, allowing Nigerians to report any suspected irregularities, assuring that all reports would be treated confidentially and investigated.
He reiterated the commission’s commitment to a transparent, merit-based, and inclusive recruitment process in line with the federal character principle.
The recruitment portal, which opened on December 15, 2025, was initially set to close on January 25, 2026, but has been extended to February 8, 2026.
The 434,604 qualified applicants will compete for 50,000 available positions.
(Source: Nigerian Tribune)
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