The Police Service Commission, acting in partnership with the Nigeria Police Force, has officially opened a major recruitment exercise for new police constables, inviting eligible Nigerians to apply for opportunities in the 2025/2026 intake. The initiative comes as part of a broader effort by the federal government to strengthen internal security and expand the manpower of the country’s police force in response to rising concerns over crime and public safety. President Bola Tinubu directed the recruitment drive, which aims to bring in 50,000 new officers to bolster community policing and enhance overall national security.
Prospective applicants are required to submit their applications through an online portal that will be active from December 15, 2025, until January 25, 2026. The commission has emphasised that this recruitment process will be transparent, merit‑based, and free of charge, warning Nigerians to be cautious of fraudulent adverts and fake recruitment schemes that often circulate on social media.
To be considered for the general duty cadre, candidates must have a minimum of five credits in subjects including English Language and Mathematics in not more than two sittings in recognised examinations such as the SSCE or NECO. For those applying under the specialists’ cadre, applicants must possess at least four credits, including English and Mathematics, and in addition demonstrate a minimum of three years of relevant work experience along with applicable trade test qualifications.
Eligibility criteria for all applicants include being a Nigerian citizen by birth, being medically, physically, and psychologically fit, and meeting specific age and height requirements. General duty applicants must be between 18 and 25 years old, while specialists must be between 18 and 28 years old. There are also minimum height standards, with male candidates required to be at least 1.67 metres tall and female candidates at least 1.64 metres tall for general duty positions.
The commission has stressed that the recruitment exercise will strictly follow established procedures, and no applicant should be asked to make any payment at any stage. Prospective applicants are urged to wait for the official portal to open and to avoid engaging with third‑party recruiters or unofficial platforms claiming to offer police recruitment forms. The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to improve the operational capacity of the police force while ensuring that the process remains fair and credible.
As the application window approaches, security experts and civil society advocates have welcomed the recruitment drive, noting that a well‑staffed police force is crucial for effective law enforcement and community protection. With the portal set to open in mid-December, thousands of young Nigerians are expected to take advantage of the opportunity to serve their country in one of its most important security institutions.
