A major regional imbalance has emerged in Nigeria’s largest recent police recruitment drive, as northern states dominate applications while several southern states record strikingly low figures.
Fresh data obtained from the Police Service Commission (PSC) show that Adamawa State leads the country with 38,989 applications in the ongoing recruitment of 50,000 constables into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
At a high-level briefing at the PSC headquarters in Abuja, the Chairman of the PSC Standing Committee on Police Matters, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Taiwo Lakanu, confirmed that the Commission received a total of 616,873 applications before the portal closed on February 8, 2026.
The online application process opened on December 15, 2025, and ran for eight weeks.
Lakanu attributed the large-scale recruitment to the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who approved the intake of 50,000 additional personnel as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s internal security framework.
He described the presidential approval as a bold intervention designed to boost the operational strength of the Police and reinforce national security architecture.
Northern Surge: Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Borno Lead
PSC data show a clear concentration of applications from northern states:
| Rank | State | Number of Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adamawa | 38,989 |
| 2 | Benue | 34,511 |
| 3 | Kaduna | 30,397 |
| 4 | Borno | 24,009 |
Security analysts say the high figures may reflect a mix of youth unemployment pressures, strong interest in federal service, and security realities in parts of the North.
In sharp contrast, several southern states recorded the lowest application figures nationwide:
| Rank (Lowest) | State | Number of Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ebonyi | 1,667 |
| 2 | Anambra | 1,739 |
| 3 | Bayelsa | 2,430 |
| 4 | Lagos | 2,448 |
The relatively low participation from Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre stands out when compared to the northern surge.
Key Recruitment Data at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Applications Received | 616,873 |
| Approved Recruitment Slots | 50,000 |
| Application Period | December 15, 2025 – February 8, 2026 |
| Average Competition Ratio | Approximately 12 applicants per slot |
| Supervising Body | Police Service Commission |
| Beneficiary Institution | Nigeria Police Force |
| Approving Authority | President Bola Ahmed Tinubu |
Lakanu commended the cooperation between the PSC and the Police hierarchy throughout the exercise. He described the relationship as transparent and professional.
He also acknowledged contributions from the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Federal Character Commission, noting that both institutions played oversight roles to ensure compliance with federal character principles.
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With nearly 617,000 applicants competing for 50,000 positions, the recruitment process reflects intense demand. On average, about 12 Nigerians are competing for every available slot.
Beyond manpower expansion, the figures highlight deeper socio-economic patterns across regions, including employment realities, perception of policing as a career path, and varying levels of engagement with federal institutions.
As screening and verification stages commence, attention will now shift to transparency, merit-based selection, and equitable distribution across Nigeria’s diverse states.
This recruitment exercise stands as one of the most ambitious intakes in the history of the Nigeria Police and its outcome may shape the country’s security landscape for years to come.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
