Nigerians Express Mixed Reactions As Police Announces Close Of Recruitment

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The Nigerian Police Facebook’s handle is buzzing with a wave of skeptical, humorous, and outright dismissive comments following an announcement of the closure of recruitment it made on Wednesday.

The update follows the Police Force’s recruitment exercise for 50,000 constable positions, amid reports of low application numbers from certain states prompting a deadline extension to February 8.

The police on Wednesday posted that ‘’The Nigeria Police Force recruitment is closing in just a few days! If you’re passionate about serving your country and making a difference, this is your chance.

‘’Check out the official recruitment portal (www.npfapplication.psc.gov.ng) for details on eligibility, the application process, and more.

‘’Application officially closes on the 8th of February 2026.’’

The recruitment portal, managed by the Police Service Commission in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, opened on December 15, 2025, initially set to close on January 25 or 26, 2026. Over 400,000 applications have been received so far, but disparities across states, particularly low turnout in areas like Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, and Anambra, led authorities to grant the two-week extension to encourage broader participation.

The comments following the police update post, however, reveal deep-seated cynicism toward joining the force.

Many Nigerians highlighted persistent issues such as poor welfare, corruption allegations, daily protests by serving officers over unpaid allowances, and the perceived moral and spiritual risks associated with police work. Among the notable reactions were that of Dele Monday who remarked, “We dey see unah members wey don join already dey protest every Day, I for apply, but I no Sabi protest.”

Adegbite Idris Adeola commented, “Egbetokun son’s should av applied also,’’ while Rio Oma Olori wrote, “Abi make i join police.”

Austine Diamond asked, “I hope if I join the police force I will be in charge of keke route?”

Prince Samuel Uchendu stated strongly, “I dey mad to join Nigerian police? Police na work? The only work wey be say swear dey down dey wait for you already. Once you wear the uniform, you don collect the swear. Fiakwa. Once anybody join Nigerian police, hell fire straight because the person name don comot from the book of life.”

Ifechukwu Chukwujindu quipped, “Na 2020 I been dey beg una, 2026 na una dey beg now. But I will accept on my conditions, 2 SUV, 1 duplex in maitama. And 10 plot of allocation incase of incasity.”

Chizoba Egwu questioned, “Why are your men protesting? Abeg make Una shift one side jari.”

Otu Ebak asked, “NPA….NDDC,,,,CBN,,,NNPC for which people if all of us join police????????????????????”

Gerald Emeka said, “Unless I will be made IGP so that i would rejig Nigeria police.”

Anyanwu Charles Ugochukwu added, “I go join if na me go be IG and nothing like retirement or sack from any President.”

Adama Philip Enefola inquired, “How much are you willing to pay?”

Lawrence Eze asked, “What are the qualifications for the DPO position? Let me see if i should apply.”

Mat Pro Hub declared, “Even When country good I no apply, come be now.”

Otitigbe Oghenetega suggested, “Seyi Tinubu and IGP son,should join.”

Babalola Saheed Olawale wrote, “Keep 2slot for me.”

Meche IsiAgu commented, “Una go extend am tire.”

Asebioyo Sunday Young questioned, “Is it good to base on merit or by appointment?”

Raji Abiola asked, “Can you pay us 500k?”

Giovanni Antonio stated, “Una never carry Harrison Gwamnishu.”

Idorenyin Ibanga asked, “When is Nigeria Police Force will change this their cassava leaf uniform.”

Gift Foraine Amukoyo remarked, “The best slot for Poor Man pikin. Una don pack Rich Man pikin dem put for Renewed Hope City Boys Chapter finish abi.”

Ekwochi Clifford Onyekwelu concluded, “Hold your recruitment, we are no longer interested.”

The mixed online sentiment underscores broader public distrust in the police institution, fueled by ongoing welfare protests among serving officers, allegations of extortion in past recruitments, and calls for systemic reforms.

Despite the extension and official assurances that the process is free, transparent, and merit-based, with warnings against paying agents or cyber cafes, the prevailing mood suggests many Nigerians remain unconvinced about the attractiveness of a career in the force under current conditions. Authorities continue to urge eligible citizens to apply via the official

portal at npfapplication.psc.gov.ng.