THE Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has debunked reports alleging irregularities and favouritism in recent promotion exercises within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), insisting that every elevation carried out under his leadership has strictly followed laid-down procedures and merit-based criteria.
News Point Nigeria reports that Egbetokun stated this on Monday in Abuja during the decoration ceremony of 19 newly promoted senior officers, including Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Mohammed Dan-Kwara, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Nkechi Eze, Force Medical Director, and Commissioner of Police Nandel Gonwalk.
Reacting to claims circulating in certain quarters alleging a promotion scandal triggered by the recent accelerated elevation of some officers, the IGP dismissed the insinuations as mischievous, malicious and aimed at undermining the integrity 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,” he said.
Egbetokun emphasized that the Force would not succumb to propaganda designed to discredit its internal career management philosophy, stressing that promotion within the NPF remains guided by competence, discipline, professional excellence, and capacity.
“We will not be swayed by those who trade in falsehood or seek to undermine the integrity of our institution. Every promotion exercise under this administration has followed due process; transparent, merit-based, and in strict conformity with established standards,” he maintained.
According to him, the system currently in place prioritises diligence and professionalism, with no room for nepotism or sentiment. He added that the sustained culture of fairness in elevation processes has contributed significantly to boosting morale and reinforcing public confidence in the Force.
“There is no promotion scandal in the Nigeria Police Force. What we have is a system that rewards diligence, professionalism, and proven capacity,” he stated.
Congratulating the newly promoted officers, Egbetokun described their advancement as a testament to character, excellence, and unwavering service to the nation. He reminded them that higher ranks come with greater responsibility and oversight.
“Every insignia worn at this level must represent not privilege, but purpose, a reminder that authority is meaningful only when it uplifts the institution and strengthens public trust,” he said.
The Police Chief urged the officers to lead with equity, fairness, and justice, stressing that their conduct would define the culture of discipline, professionalism, and morale across the Force.
“As you take on your new commands, lead with fairness, act with integrity, and let justice be your guiding light in your service to the public,” he admonished.
Speaking on national security dynamics, Egbetokun noted that technological disruption, global trends, and criminal sophistication require law enforcement to adapt swiftly. He charged the officers to embrace intelligence-driven policing, innovation, and community collaboration.
“The landscape of crime is evolving, driven by technology, complexity, and global trends. Nigerians expect a police force that is smarter, more responsive, and deeply connected to communities,” he added.
He further urged senior officers to empower their subordinates, leverage technology, and deploy proactive strategies to stay ahead of criminal networks, emphasizing that their performance will directly shape the reputation of the institution.