By SUNTV Global Channel
August 6, 2026 | Abuja, Nigeria
Some junior officers of the Nigeria Police Force have raised serious allegations of corruption, diversion of operational allowances, extortion, and poor welfare within the Force, calling on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and other relevant authorities to implement urgent reforms.
The officers, who spoke anonymously for fear of victimisation, alleged that corruption has become deeply entrenched across various police formations, with junior personnel allegedly required to pay unofficial fees to secure transfers, postings, and other administrative approvals.
According to the officers, transfers between divisions or state commands, as well as postings to operational beats and special duties, reportedly attract unofficial payments of up to ₦200,000.
They further claimed that nearly every administrative request requiring approval from senior officers comes with an unofficial financial demand, describing the practice as widespread exploitation of rank-and-file personnel.
The officers also alleged that operational and special duty allowances approved for junior personnel are frequently diverted or significantly reduced before reaching the intended beneficiaries.
According to them, officers who question the practice are often told to “wait for your time,” a phrase they say has become synonymous with a culture of impunity within the Force.
Beyond the alleged diversion of allowances, the officers described poor welfare conditions that they claim force many personnel to finance routine police operations from their personal salaries.
They alleged that officers often pay for fuel used in patrol vehicles, repair damaged equipment, sew their uniforms, purchase office supplies, maintain barracks, and even provide food for suspects in detention due to inadequate institutional support.
The officers warned that the lack of operational funding has contributed to cases of extortion by some personnel, as officers struggle to cover basic operational expenses.
Calling for comprehensive reforms, the concerned officers urged the Inspector-General of Police, the Police Service Commission, the Minister of Police Affairs, and the National Assembly Committees on Police to investigate the allegations and strengthen transparency and accountability within the Force.
Among their key demands are the abolition of the alleged sale of transfers and postings, direct payment of operational allowances to beneficiaries, improved welfare packages, better logistics for police operations, and stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent abuse of authority.
The officers maintained that meaningful reform of the Nigeria Police Force must begin with addressing corruption and exploitation at the senior leadership level, insisting that improving the welfare of junior personnel is essential to restoring professionalism and public confidence in the Force.
As of the time of this report, the Nigeria Police Force had not issued an official response to the allegations.
