IGP Kayode Egbetokun
As part of efforts to strengthen national security and bridge manpower gaps in policing, the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has announced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the recruitment of 30,000 additional police constables nationwide.
Egbetokun, who was represented by the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga, disclosed this during the passing-out parade of 531 police constables of the 55th intake (Batch B) at the Police Training School, Jos.
He said the approval formed part of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at enhancing manpower, logistics, and welfare within the Nigeria Police Force.
“The President’s recent approval for the recruitment of an additional 30,000 constables over the next few years demonstrates an unwavering resolve to close manpower gaps in policing and enhance security delivery nationwide,” he said.
The IGP explained that the latest batch of recruits brought the total number trained under his leadership to 20,000, with similar passing-out ceremonies held simultaneously across the country.
“Shortly after this passing-out ceremony, plans will be set in motion to implement the presidential approval for recruiting the next 30,000 constables. Under my leadership, the Nigeria Police Force remains fully aligned with the President’s vision to build a modern, reformed, and professional institution that Nigerians can trust and be proud of,” he noted.
Egbetokun said most of the newly graduated constables had been deployed to their states of origin in line with the Force’s community-oriented policing policy aimed at fostering local trust and improving intelligence gathering.
He urged the new officers to serve with fairness and empathy, reminding them that the uniform they wear represents the trust of Nigerians.
“Shun corruption, extortion, and abuse of power. The uniform you wear is a symbol of trust—it must never be used to intimidate or oppress the people you are sworn to protect. Your conduct must at all times be guided by professionalism, integrity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens,” he cautioned.
The IGP also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, the Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, and the Police Service Commission, led by DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), for their support toward police reform and transformation.
Speaking in an interview, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Plateau State on Security, Brig.-Gen. G. Shipi (Rtd), described the passing-out exercise as a welcome development that would strengthen the state’s security architecture.
“We are all aware of the security challenges currently facing our dear state. With the passing out of this group of young men and women today, we are gaining additional manpower that will be injected into our security arrangements,” he said.
Shipi noted that a significant number of the graduating constables were Plateau indigenes, adding that the state government had supported their training process from inception.
“Naturally, our intention is to continue supporting police training initiatives to increase the number of boots on the ground. We have vast areas across the state that are not adequately covered by security personnel. Therefore, this exercise is an opportunity to deploy more officers who will fill those security gaps,” he added.
He assured that the Plateau State Government would continue to collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force to enhance peace and security across the state.
