IGP Reaffirms Merit-Based Promotions, Charges Officers to Uphold Integrity

By Oluwakemi Kindness

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has reaffirmed that promotions in the Nigeria Police Force are strictly merit-based, transparent, and free from favouritism or tribal bias.

Speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the decoration ceremony of newly promoted Deputy Inspectors-General, Assistant Inspectors-General, and Commissioners of Police, the IGP said the event is a recognition of excellence, discipline, and integrity within the Force.

“Today, we celebrate not just advancement in rank, but the affirmation of excellence, character, and distinguished service within the Nigeria Police Force,” he said.

He urged the officers to view their promotion as a call to higher responsibility, stressing that leadership must be guided by fairness, justice, and service to the public.

“Authority is meaningful only when it uplifts the institution and strengthens public trust,” he added.

The Police Chief dismissed recent allegations of irregularities in the promotion process as baseless, insisting that all exercises under his administration followed due process and merit.

“There is no promotion scandal in the Nigeria Police Force. Every exercise has been transparent, merit-based, and in line with established standards,” he said.

He emphasized that competence, performance, and discipline remain the pillars of career growth in the Force.

The IGP charged the newly elevated officers to embrace Community and Intelligence-led Policing, adopt technology, and drive innovation to stay ahead of emerging security challenges.

“The landscape of crime is evolving. Nigerians expect a Force that is smarter, more responsive, and deeply connected to the communities it serves,” he noted.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for his support toward police welfare and reforms, and also appreciated the Police Service Commission for promoting transparency in career advancement.

The IGP urged officers to lead by example and maintain discipline, describing their families as the “silent strength behind every officer’s success.”

“Together, we are building a modern, accountable, and people-focused Police Force that earns trust at home and respect abroad,” he concluded.