The Nigeria Police Force has released its annual promotion data, with a total of 74,352 officers across various ranks promoted between January 2025 and the present time. The release comes amid ongoing allegations of ethnic bias levelled against the current leadership of the Force, with critics accusing the Police hierarchy of conducting promotion exercises that are lopsided, opaque, and skewed in favour of particular ethnic interests.
The colourful infographic issued by the Force Department of Public Relations provides a breakdown of the promotions carried out within the 2025-2026 period. According to the data, 45 Commissioners of Police were elevated to the rank of Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, while 69 Deputy Commissioners of Police were promoted to Commissioners. The data also shows that 156 Assistant Commissioners of Police advanced to the rank of Deputy Commissioners, 270 Chief Superintendents were promoted to Assistant Commissioners, and 1,014 Superintendents rose to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police.
However, critics argue that the widely circulated infographic failed to address the core issue of equitable spread of promotions in line with the federal character principle. They further contend that the omission of geopolitical distribution in the promotion data could be interpreted as reinforcing concerns about ethnic imbalance in the promotion process.
The allegations of ethnic bias were first raised by Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), who claimed that the Police leadership has conducted promotion exercises that are lopsided and skewed in favour of particular ethnic interests. Sowore alleged that officers from certain regions were disproportionately elevated, and that the Police hierarchy promoted loyalists and deliberately withheld comprehensive promotion lists, which obscured possible ethnic or factional imbalance.
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has dismissed the allegations, insisting that all promotions within the Force are merit-based, transparent, and conducted strictly in line with established procedures, without regard to ethnicity or other personal considerations. The IGP has described the claims as the handiwork of “mischief-makers” bent on undermining the credibility of the Force, stressing that promotions are awarded on the basis of competence, performance, and professional integrity rather than tribal affiliations.
In a statement, the Police said the Inspector-General of Police congratulated 26,122 officers of the Nigeria Police Force recently promoted to various ranks, describing the advancements as well deserved and reflective of their dedication, professionalism, and sustained commitment to national service. The statement noted that the promotions represent recognition of merit and performance, while placing greater responsibility on the beneficiaries to uphold the highest standards of leadership, discipline, and service.
The IGP also expressed deep appreciation to the Police Service Commission (PSC) for approving all the promotion recommendations submitted by the Force leadership. He acknowledged the Commission’s commitment to merit-based progression, due process, and institutional cooperation, stressing that continued synergy between the PSC and the Police is essential for boosting morale, enhancing competence, and improving operational effectiveness.
The release of the promotion data is seen as a renewed effort by the Nigeria Police Force to address the allegations of ethnic bias and promote transparency in the promotion process. However, critics remain skeptical, arguing that the data does not provide a clear picture of the equitable spread of promotions across different regions and ethnic groups.
As the Nigeria Police Force continues to face allegations of ethnic bias, it is essential that the Force takes concrete steps to address these concerns and promote transparency in the promotion process. This includes providing detailed breakdowns of promotions by region and ethnic group, as well as ensuring that the promotion process is fair, merit-based, and free from personal considerations.
Ultimately, the Nigeria Police Force must prioritize professionalism, respect for the rule of law, and the protection of lives and property, while also promoting transparency and accountability in all its operations. By doing so, the Force can regain the trust of the public and demonstrate its commitment to serving the nation with integrity and dedication.
