Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has dismissed reports alleging a promotion scandal within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), describing them as false and an attempt to discredit the institution.
Egbetokun made the clarification on Tuesday in Abuja during the decoration of 19 newly promoted senior officers, including Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Mohammed Dan-Kwara, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Nkechi Eze, and Commissioner of Police Nandel Gonwalk, among others.
Addressing the officers, the police chief said the allegations circulating on social media were “baseless fabrications” by individuals seeking to undermine the credibility of the Force.
“In recent months, certain individuals have attempted to cast shadows on the credibility of our promotion process, particularly the accelerated exercise conducted a few months ago. But truth stands taller than rumours. The Nigeria Police Force has nothing to hide and nothing to defend,” Egbetokun stated.
He emphasized that all promotions under his administration were based on merit, transparency, and due process, stressing that there was “no promotion scandal in the Nigeria Police Force.”
According to him, the Force’s promotion system remains a key pillar of its career management policy, designed to motivate excellence, strengthen morale, and uphold public trust. “Our commitment to fairness and merit remains unwavering. Promotions today are guided solely by competence, performance, and discipline,” he said.
Congratulating the newly promoted officers, the IGP described their elevation as recognition of excellence, integrity, and distinguished service. He urged them to view their new ranks as a call to higher responsibility and ethical leadership.
“Leadership at this level demands equity, justice, and fairness — the enduring values that define true authority and inspire confidence within and beyond the Force,” he said.
Egbetokun also charged the officers to embrace modern policing approaches, including community and intelligence-led strategies, and to leverage technology in combating crime. “The landscape of crime is evolving. Nigerians expect a police force that is smarter, more responsive, and deeply connected to communities,” he noted.
He concluded by reminding the officers that their performance and integrity would shape not only the Force’s reputation but also public confidence in its ability to ensure safety and justice.