Are you a graduate in Nigeria with a fervent desire to contribute to law enforcement and community security? If ‘yes’, this guide is for individuals like you, providing insights into the process of joining the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). Before we proceed, you may like to check out the Nigeria Police monthly Salary.
The Nigeria Police is the primary law enforcement and security apparatus in Nigeria, boasting a staff strength of approximately 371,800. An extensive organization, the NPF comprises 36 State Commands grouped into 12 zones and 7 administrative organs. Founded in 1930, the NPF’s headquarters are situated at Louis Edet House, Abuja.
Annually, the Nigerian Police conducts recruitment processes to bring fresh minds into the Force, aiming to reduce criminality and fortify the security architecture in communities.
Given the high rate of unemployment, many individuals strive to be recruited into the Nigerian Police Force each year, despite some not meeting the criteria for such a responsibility.
Ideally, this should not be the case, as the nature of police work is demanding and requires a high level of motivation for effective performance. As the primary responsibility, the Nigerian Police is tasked with protecting lives and properties while providing essential security services to every citizen.
Some duties may involve tasks such as manning roadblocks for days and engaging in combat activities, emphasizing the need for careful consideration and preparation for such positions.
Basic Requirements for Joining the Nigerian Police Force
Applicants are expected to meet the following requirements:
- Must be a Nigerian by birth.
- Be between the ages of 17 and 25 years.
- Possess a minimum of five credits in O’ Level Examinations (WAEC, NECO, GCE, NABTEB) in not more than two sittings, with at least credit passes in English Language and Mathematics.
- Must be psychologically, physically, and mentally fit.
- Applicants must have a crime-free record void of any form of conviction.
- Chest measurement not less than 86cm (for males).
- Must not be pregnant (for females).
- Height not less than 1.67m (for males) and not less than 1.64m (for females).
How to Join the Nigerian Police Force
There are several ways to join the Nigerian Police Force, with the most common being through mass recruitment and the Nigerian Police Academy. Here, we will outline what it takes to join the Police Force via these two methods.
1. Mass Recruitment
As stated earlier, the Force calls for applications from suitably qualified Nigerians every year. This information is usually publicized on radio, national television, newspapers, and on the media channels of the NPF. It’s crucial to get information concerning Police recruitment from official sources to avoid falling prey to online scammers.
Recruitment following this pattern is done online, with specific starting and closing dates for submission. Applicants need to create a functional and accessible email address, have their National Identification Number (NIN), and visit www.policerecruitment.gov.ng, the online application portal.
After successful registration, shortlisted candidates would be required to present a printed copy of the information mailed to them during the physical screening process. Names of successful candidates would be published on national dailies.
2. Applying through the Police Academy
An alternative to mass recruitment is admission via the Police Academy, a degree-awarding institution located in Wudil, Kano State, Nigeria. To join the Police Force through the Police Academy, one must have gained admission to study in any of the four faculties (Science, Law, Social & Management Science, and Humanities) and graduated from the Academy, with each program lasting five years.
Requirements for Joining the Police Academy
- Candidates must be citizens of Nigeria by origin.
- Must be between 17 and 22 years of age.
- Candidates must have an expanded chest size of not less than 86cm (34 inches) for candidates between 21 and 22 years of age.
- Male candidates must not be less than 1.67m (5 feet, 6 inches) in height.
- Female candidates must not be less than 1.62m (5 feet 4 inches) in height.
- Candidates must be free from any form of physical and mental disability.
- Must have sat and obtained a minimum of 6 credit passes (including Mathematics, English Language, and subjects relevant to the applicant’s course) in WASSCE, NECO SSCE, or NABTEB at not more than two sittings.
- Candidates must pass the written examination, interview, as well as physical and psychological tests of fitness.
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