Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has rejected claims of irregularities and partiality in the Nigeria Police Force’s recent promotion exercises, affirming that every officer promoted under his leadership earned it through merit, transparency, and adherence to laid-down procedures.
Speaking at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday during the decoration of newly promoted senior officers, Egbetokun said attempts by some individuals to discredit the process were deliberate efforts to erode public trust in the Police Force.
“Recent months have witnessed attempts by certain mischief-makers to cast shadows on the credibility of our promotion process, particularly the accelerated promotion exercise conducted a few months ago. But truth stands taller than rumours. The Nigeria Police Force has nothing to hide and nothing to defend,” he stated.
The police chief emphasized that promotions within the Force are not influenced by favouritism or ethnicity but are strictly guided by competence and discipline.
“Every promotion exercise conducted under this administration, including the accelerated promotion exercise, has followed the due process, transparent, merit-based, and in strict conformity with established standards. There is no place for favouritism or tribal sentiment in the Nigeria Police Force. Our promotions are guided solely by competence, performance, and discipline,” he added.
Egbetokun explained that the event, which featured the decoration of new Deputy Inspectors-General, Assistant Inspectors-General, and Commissioners of Police, symbolized integrity and excellence in the Force.
Congratulating the newly elevated officers, he said their advancement reflected years of commitment, professionalism, and patriotism, urging them to see their new ranks as a call to greater service.
“Every insignia worn at this level must represent not privilege, but purpose — a reminder that authority is meaningful only when it uplifts the institution and strengthens public trust,” he noted.
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The IGP also charged the officers to adopt technology-driven and community-based policing models to effectively respond to modern security challenges influenced by global trends.
“The Nigerian people expect a Force that is smarter, more responsive, and deeply connected to communities. I urge you to harness technology, empower your personnel, and drive innovations that keep our operations ahead of criminal enterprises,” he said.
He further commended President Bola Tinubu for his continued support towards police reforms and the Police Service Commission for maintaining transparency in managing promotions.
Earlier this month, on October 17, the Police Service Commission approved the elevation of CP Abibo Reuben to Assistant Inspector-General of Police and promoted 11 Deputy Commissioners to the rank of Commissioners of Police, among other promotions.