The Police Service Commission has dismissed reports claiming delays in the promotion of police inspectors who participated in the 2025 Departmental Selection Board exercise.
In a statement published on its official website on Thursday, the commission described the reports as misleading and based on unnamed sources.
The PSC said it “wishes to categorically rebut the claims made in the articles, which appear to be based on unsubstantiated anonymous sources and misrepresent the commission’s processes and commitments.”
It stressed that promotions within the Nigeria Police Force are guided by clear rules and timelines.
The commission stated that it “reaffirms its dedication to transparency, fairness, and merit-based promotions within the Nigeria Police Force,” adding that promotions are “governed by established guidelines, including the successful completion of the DSB exercises, and are processed in accordance with statutory timelines and resource availability.”
Reacting to claims that authorities had maintained “total silence” on the exercise, the PSC said officers had been properly informed.
“Contrary to the report’s assertion of ‘total silence’ and ‘no explanation’ from the PSC or Force Headquarters, all officers who participated in the 2025 DSB, including those from the specified zones and commands, have been duly informed through official channels about the status of their evaluations,” the commission said.
It added that it keeps detailed records of all communications and advised officers with concerns to confirm information through their commands or directly from the commission.
On allegations that inspector-level promotions were stalled while senior officers were promoted within weeks, the PSC said the comparison was inaccurate.
“The claim that promotions for these inspectors have been ‘stalled’ while Senior Officers were elevated ‘within three weeks’ is misleading and overlooks the distinct procedural tracks for different ranks,” the statement read.
The commission explained that senior officer promotions often move faster because they involve fewer candidates, while inspector-level promotions cover larger numbers and require additional checks across states and commands.
According to the PSC, the 2025 DSB exercise conducted in December 2025 was completed successfully and processing is continuing as planned.
“There is no evidence of undue delay; in fact, the PSC has accelerated efforts to finalize announcements in the coming few days, aligning with fiscal and administrative cycles,” it said.
Addressing reports of dissatisfaction among junior officers, the commission said such claims were exaggerated.
“Suggestions of widespread demoralization, threats of early retirement, or erosion of Junior Officers’ confidence are speculative and not reflective of the broader sentiment within the Force,” the PSC stated.
It noted that it regularly engages officers through official channels and added that no formal complaints had been received from the affected officers.
The PSC advised officers to use established grievance procedures rather than resorting to the media.
The commission said it remains committed to officers’ welfare under the leadership of its chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu, working with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
“We have successfully promoted thousands of officers in recent years, including batches from similar cohorts, and will continue to do so without favoritism,” it said, adding that any perceived delay is due to thorough checks to ensure fairness.
The PSC also urged media organisations to verify information before publication, warning that unverified reports could undermine public trust.
“For accurate information, members of the public and officers alike are invited to contact the PSC Public Affairs Section or visit our official website,” the commission said.
It concluded by assuring stakeholders that it would continue to carry out its mandate with professionalism.
In November 2024 about 4,449 police officers sued the Nigeria Police Force and the Inspector-General of Police at the National Industrial Court in Abuja over alleged failure to decorate them with new ranks after the PSC approved their promotions.
