The Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission have resolved their dispute over the recruitment of 10,000 constables following weeks of disagreement.
According to The PUNCH, Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, on Tuesday announced that the police had accepted the list of recruits, which they previously rejected amid allegations of corruption.
Adejobi confirmed the PSC’s Monday statement that training would start on August 10.
The disagreement began in June when the NPF rejected the list of 10,000 recruits released by the PSC under its former chairman, Solomon Arase.
The police claimed that qualified candidates had been replaced with unqualified ones and called for the process to be canceled.
The PSC denied the allegations and refused to cancel the recruitment.
The Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, and other stakeholders intervened in the matter.
On Monday, PSC spokesman Ikechukwu Ani stated that training for the recruits would begin on August 10.
On Tuesday, Adejobi quoted Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, confirming that the police and the PSC had reached an agreement on the recruitment.
Adejobi mentioned that the resolution came after extensive discussions.
He said, “The Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission have finally reached an agreement regarding the final merit list for the recruitment of police constables into the Nigeria Police Force.”
He added that both the NPF and the PSC ensured that the recruitment process was transparent, fair, and based on merit.
“The Inspector General of Police expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the agreement on the final merit list is a testament to the commitment of both the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission to work together in the best interest of the country,’ he said.
The IG expressed confidence in the recruits’ potential to contribute significantly to the Federal Government’s efforts to create employment, enhance internal security, and maintain law and order. Following the IG’s directive, the new constables will undergo training in modern policing ethics and principles.
Adejobi said, “In light of this development, training for the newly recruited officers is scheduled to commence on Saturday, August 10, 2024. The training programme will be intensive and designed to equip the recruits with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively and uphold the core values of the Nigeria Police Force.”
The recruits will be trained in modern policing ethics, community policing strategies, ICT, artificial intelligence, human relations, and behavioral change. “The Inspector General of Police extends gratitude to all stakeholders and the general public for their patience and support throughout this process,” Adejobi concluded.
