Nigerian Police Force Releases Annual Promotion Data Amid Ethnic Bias Allegations

The Nigerian Police Force has disclosed its annual promotion data, consisting of 74,352 officers promoted across various ranks from January 2025 to the present. Allegations of ethnic bias have been raised against the current police leadership, with claims of favoritism towards specific ethnic interests.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, accused the police leadership of conducting promotions that bypass established procedures and prioritize personal connections over merit. However, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has consistently defended the promotions as merit-based and transparent.

The Police Service Commission (PSC) is praised for its commitment to merit-based progress and due process. The promotions are described as recognition of merit and performance, with a focus on upholding high standards of leadership and discipline.

The Nigerian Police Force aims to sustain ongoing reforms to enhance efficiency, public trust, and collaboration with national and international partners.