Nigeria Police Recruitment: PSC Announces Two-Week Extension for 50,000 Constables
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has officially announced a significant extension to the ongoing recruitment process for 50,000 constables into the Nigeria Police Force. This decision comes as part of efforts to ensure equitable representation from all states across the federation.
Extended Application Window
According to a statement released by Mr. Torty Kalu, Head of Protocol and Public Affairs at the PSC, the application portal which was originally scheduled to close on January 26, 2026, will now remain open until February 8, 2026. This provides eligible candidates with an additional two weeks to submit their applications through the official recruitment portal.
The portal initially opened on December 15, 2025, following President Tinubu's directive to bolster police manpower and enhance internal security across Nigeria. The recruitment exercise represents one of the largest police recruitment drives in recent years, aiming to significantly strengthen law enforcement capabilities nationwide.
Addressing State Participation Disparities
The commission revealed that the extension decision followed a comprehensive review of application patterns across Nigeria's 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. While the recruitment portal has received over 400,000 applications nationwide, the PSC identified significant disparities in participation rates between different states.
States with high application volumes include Adamawa, Benue, and Kaduna, which have demonstrated robust interest in the recruitment exercise. Conversely, states with comparatively lower participation include Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, and Anambra, prompting the commission to take proactive measures to address this imbalance.
Call for Balanced Representation
The Police Service Commission emphasized that the extension period is specifically designed to encourage more applications from states with lower participation rates. The PSC and Nigeria Police Force have jointly called on eligible Nigerians, particularly those residing in underrepresented states, to utilize this extended window to submit their applications.
Furthermore, the commission has appealed to various stakeholders including:
- State governments and local councils
- Community leaders and traditional rulers
- Religious organizations and faith-based groups
- Civil society organizations and youth groups
These stakeholders are urged to mobilize and sensitize qualified candidates within their jurisdictions to apply before the new deadline of February 8, 2026.
Commitment to Transparent Recruitment
The Police Service Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a fair, transparent, and merit-based recruitment process. The extension initiative demonstrates the commission's dedication to ensuring that all qualified Nigerians, regardless of their state of origin, have equal opportunity to join the police force.
This recruitment exercise represents a crucial step in addressing Nigeria's security challenges by strengthening police capacity and ensuring balanced representation from all regions of the country. The successful recruitment of 50,000 constables is expected to significantly enhance law enforcement capabilities and improve security nationwide.
