Officers Accuse IGP Egbetokun of Favoritism and Undermining the Force’s Integrity
Sahara Reporters has taken to it’s official X handle and announced that The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is once again at the center of controversy following allegations of irregular promotions under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun. Aggrieved officers have accused the Force of favoritism, corruption, and blatant disregard for established service regulations, citing the recent promotion of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Abdulrahman Baba Garba, the Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin.
Sahara Reporters, in a post on its official X handle, exposed the glaring inconsistencies, revealing that Garba was promoted twice in just one year, bypassing the statutory requirements outlined in the Nigeria Police Act.
According to sources, Garba was first decorated as a Superintendent of Police (SP) on March 13, 2024, in a ceremony presided over by his principal, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin. Just a year later, in March 2025, he was elevated to the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP)—a move that has sparked widespread discontent within the Force.
The promotion, officers lament, violates the Nigeria Police Service Rules which stipulate that an officer must serve a minimum of three years in one rank before advancing to the next. Additionally, they must attain consistent B-grade ratings in their Annual Performance Evaluation Reports (APER) and pass prescribed promotional examinations.
Despite these clear guidelines, Garba’s accelerated rise suggests a disturbing pattern of political favoritism, where officers attached to powerful politicians receive undue promotions, leaving more deserving officers stranded in lower ranks.
“They Have Destroyed the Police Force” – Officers Express Outrage
Speaking to Sahara Reporters, several frustrated police officers voiced their disillusionment over the arbitrary promotions, which they say have rendered merit and seniority meaningless.
“I became an SP in 2021, yet a junior officer was promoted to my rank in 2024. Now, in just one year, he has become a CSP—my superior. I have to take orders from someone who used to be my junior. It’s utterly demoralizing,” an officer lamented.
Another officer decried the systemic favoritism, warning that such actions are eroding discipline within the Force.
“This is why many police personnel no longer respect their superiors. We attend the same training courses, yet within a blink of an eye, ‘connections’ make some officers rise two ranks above their mates. The Nigerian Police has been bastardized,” he said.
PSC Had Promised to End Special Promotions—Yet It Continues
Ironically, in September 2024, the Police Service Commission (PSC) had announced the abolition of special promotions, vowing to restore integrity to the promotion process. The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), had assured that future promotions would be based purely on merit.
“There is nothing like special promotion anywhere in the world. Officers must meet the prescribed examination and eligibility criteria. The Commission will not serve as a rubber stamp for illegitimate promotions,” the PSC had stated in an official release.
However, the rapid advancement of politically connected officers such as CSP Abdulrahman Baba Garba suggests that these reforms remain hollow promises, as favoritism continues to thrive under IGP Egbetokun’s administration.
With growing discontent among rank-and-file officers, pressure is mounting on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and address the rampant irregularities in police promotions. Many believe that failure to act will further undermine morale within the Force and entrench a culture of impunity and corruption.
As resentment festers, officers warn that unless drastic reforms are enforced, the credibility and professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force will remain in freefall.
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