August 31, 2026 | News
Police officers recruited into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in 1991 have raised concerns over what they described as a prolonged delay in their promotion, saying many of them are approaching retirement after nearly 35 years in service without advancing beyond the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
The affected officers reportedly became eligible for promotion to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) in 2024 but said they have remained at their current rank despite completing the required documentation.
Some of the officers, who spoke anonymously over concerns about possible victimisation, alleged that their promotion files and Annual Performance Evaluation (APE) forms had been completed and submitted but that the promotions had yet to be approved.
One officer, who said he joined the police force in October 1991, expressed frustration over spending decades at the same rank.
According to him, members of his recruitment class have continued to wear the insignia associated with the ASP rank despite having served for about 35 years.
“We have been due for promotion since 2024. We have filled out our APE forms, but they have not promoted us,” the officer alleged.
He said many members of the group are now close to retirement and fear they may leave the force without receiving the promotion they believe they are entitled to.
Another affected officer described the situation as particularly painful, alleging that some members of the 1991 recruitment class had already retired without receiving the expected promotion.
The officer insisted that the affected personnel had no disciplinary cases or other issues that should prevent their promotion.
“There is no reason for the delay. We don’t have any query or anything against our names,” he alleged.
He added that the officers had completed their APE forms and submitted the required documents but had yet to receive their promotion.
The officers said the prolonged delay has affected their career progression and could also have financial implications for personnel approaching retirement.
They are therefore calling on the relevant authorities to review their cases and ensure that officers who have fulfilled the applicable requirements are considered for promotion before they retire.
The controversy comes amid concerns about career progression within the Nigeria Police Force, particularly among officers who have spent decades in service.
Efforts to obtain a response from the police authorities were reportedly unsuccessful. The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, was said to have not responded to calls seeking clarification on the allegations.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) was also yet to publicly respond to the specific complaints raised by the affected officers as of the time of the report.
The allegations remain unverified, pending an official response from the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission.
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