NO fewer than 400,000 Nigerians have applied for 50,000 police constable positions across the country, highlighting the scale of unemployment and the growing appeal of public sector jobs amid economic and security challenges.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) disclosed this on Monday while announcing a two-week extension of the ongoing recruitment exercise, following uneven participation across several states.
The extension was confirmed in a statement sent to News Point Nigeria by the Head of Protocol and Public Affairs of the PSC, Mr. Torty Kalu, who said the decision was taken after a review of application figures nationwide.
According to the statement, the online application portal which opened on December 15, 2025 was originally scheduled to close on January 25, 2026, but will now remain open until February 8, 2026.
Kalu explained that although the overall number of applications had crossed 400,000, the PSC and the NPF observed significant disparities in state-level participation, prompting the need for an extension.
States such as Adamawa, Benue and Kaduna recorded high numbers of applicants, reflecting strong interest and mobilisation efforts. However, several states, including Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Ebonyi and Anambra posted notably lower application figures, a development described by officials as concerning given their population size and youth demographics.
“The PSC and the NPF announce a two-week extension for the ongoing recruitment of 50,000 constables,” the statement said.
“This decision follows the receipt of over 400,000 applications and a review showing significant disparities in state participation. While some states like Adamawa, Benue and Kaduna have high application numbers, states such as Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Ebonyi and Anambra have notably lower submissions.”
The PSC said the extension is aimed at ensuring equitable representation in the recruitment process, stressing that no state should be underrepresented due to low awareness or inadequate mobilisation.
Eligible Nigerians particularly those from states with low application figures were urged to take advantage of the extension and apply through the official recruitment portal before the new deadline.
Kalu also appealed to state governments, local government councils, traditional institutions, sociocultural groups, religious organisations and community leaders to intensify sensitisation and mobilisation efforts to encourage qualified youths to participate in the exercise.
“The extension aims to ensure equitable representation nationwide,” he said.
“All eligible Nigerians, particularly from the above-mentioned states with fewer applications, are strongly encouraged to apply via the official portal before the new deadline.”
The large number of applicants underscores the intense competition for the 50,000 available slots, with more than eight applicants vying for each position.
The recruitment drive follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency on November 26, 2025, during which he directed the Nigeria Police Force and the Armed Forces to step up recruitment in order to strengthen internal security and respond to rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, terrorism and violent crime across the country.
A ex-senior police officer, Inuwa Mashi told News Point Nigeria that the expanded recruitment is expected to ease manpower shortages in the police, though he also stressed the need for proper training, welfare and equipment to ensure effectiveness and professionalism.
The PSC reiterated that the recruitment process remains free, transparent and merit-based, warning applicants to avoid fraudsters and to rely only on official channels for information and application.