PSC Exposes Corruption in Promotion Interviews, Cautions Officers Against Influencing Commission Officials

Linus Aleke in Abuja

Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), has exposed the methods of corruption adopted by mid-level police officers seeking promotion to the next rank, stating he is aware of what was obtainable in the past, where contributions were made by candidates for interviews and handed over to supervising officials.

He also stressed the Commission will end this discreditable act and ensure the Departmental Selection Board is devoid of any financial inducement.

A statement by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, assured that promotion and its processes in the Nigeria Police Force will henceforth be based on merit and availability of vacancies.

According to the statement, “The Departmental Selection Board (DSB) interview for Inspectors due for promotion to the next rank of unconfirmed Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP II) will be held at the 17 Police Zonal Command Headquarters from Monday, 19th May 2025. The Board interview is a condition for consideration of senior Inspectors for promotion to the next rank.”

Argungu also confirmed that staff of the Commission will be deployed to all the Zonal Command Headquarters to conduct the promotion interviews in partnership with officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Chairman however cautioned candidates slated for the interview to desist from contributing money to officials of the Commission or the Police who will be conducting the interview at the different zones.

He also pledged that the Commission will deal ruthlessly with any police officer found to be involved in any way in inducing or compromising officials of the Commission or police officers supervising the exercise, stressing such officers will not only be sanctioned but also disgraced.

He counselled police officers scheduled for the promotion interview to face the interview panel and earn their promotion.

He said the Commission will continue to ensure the Nigeria Police Force is capable and ready to secure the nation’s environment and maintain law and order where citizens are free to pursue their daily obligations.