Disquiet In Nigerian Police Force Over Alleged Exclusion Of Oyo, Akwa-Ibom Officers From Recent Promotions | Sahara Reporters

The officer noted that the selective elevation of personnel across state lines without clear operational metrics has damaged morale among officers serving in the excluded commands.

There is growing disquiet within the Nigeria Police Force over the alleged omission or deliberate exclusion of officers attached to the Oyo and Akwa Ibom State Commands, among others, from the recently conducted general promotion exercise.

Affected personnel who spoke to SaharaReporters expressed deep frustration over what they described as an unfair disparity, alleging that not a single officer was elevated in some of the affected commands while their counterparts in other state commands benefited from the exercise.

In a SOS message sent to SaharaReporters on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, a concerned police officer highlighted the widespread demoralisation among rank-and-file personnel who felt bypassed despite meeting the requisite qualifications and waiting period for advancement.

“I wish to bring to your attention an issue concerning the recent general promotion exercise in the Nigeria Police Force,” the officer stated.

“There are allegations that some commands, including Oyo State Command, Akwa Ibom State Command, and other affected commands, were completely left out of the promotion exercise. In some of these commands, it is alleged that not even a single officer was promoted, while officers in other commands were promoted.”

The officer noted that the selective elevation of personnel across state lines without clear operational metrics has damaged morale among officers serving in the excluded commands.

“This situation has reportedly caused concern and frustration among affected personnel, particularly those who believe they were qualified and due for promotion,” the source added.

“We respectfully appeal to the appropriate authorities, including the Nigeria Police Force and relevant government agencies, for a thorough investigation. They should investigate whether there were errors, omissions, or unfair treatment in the promotion exercise.”

Urging the Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Inspector-General of Police to intervene, the affected officers clarified that they are not seeking unmerited favours, but rather an audit of the promotion list to rectify administrative lapses.

“We are not asking for anyone to be promoted without meeting the required criteria. We are simply appealing for transparency, fairness, and a proper review of the promotion exercise so that any genuine omissions can be corrected,” the officer emphasised.

“We want this matter to be brought to public attention and give the affected officers an opportunity to have their concerns heard.”

Efforts to reach the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Okokon Edem Iniedu for comments regarding the alleged omissions were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report as he did not take his calls.