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The Nigeria Police Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have launched a joint crackdown to prevent drug users and applicants of questionable character from entering the ongoing recruitment of 50,000 constables.
The Police Service Commission confirmed that candidates with verified records of drug abuse or integrity concerns will be disqualified at various stages of the exercise. The move comes as fresh data shows that 616,873 Nigerians submitted applications for the nationwide recruitment drive.
According to figures released in Abuja on Wednesday, 542,592 of the applicants are male, while 114,640 are female. Of the total applications received, 434,604 candidates met the initial requirements and will proceed to the next stage of screening, while 60,673 entries were declared invalid.
Speaking at a press briefing, DIG Taiwo Lakanu, retired, who chairs the Commission’s Committee on Police Matters, said successful candidates will undergo computer based examinations, medical screening and strict drug integrity tests conducted by the NDLEA.
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He stressed that drug users will not be admitted into the force under any circumstance. He added that the partnership with the NDLEA is designed to ensure that only physically fit and morally sound Nigerians are enlisted.
A state by state breakdown shows that Adamawa recorded the highest number of applicants with 38,989, followed by Benue with 34,511 and Borno with 24,009. At the lower end, Ebonyi recorded 1,667 applications, Anambra 1,739, Bayelsa 2,430 and Lagos 2,448.
Lakanu observed that lower figures from some states may reflect local career preferences, noting that many young people in those areas often seek entry into the force through graduate recruitment channels.
He maintained that the credibility of the police begins at recruitment, insisting that compromised entry standards would undermine efforts to build a professional and respected institution. He said the commission has adopted a zero tolerance stance on malpractice and has activated a whistleblowing mechanism to allow Nigerians report any irregularities during the process.
The Commission also assured that the exercise remains inclusive and balanced, with the Federal Character Commission monitoring compliance to ensure fairness across states and gender lines.
Officials say successful candidates will be posted to designated police colleges for training before deployment, as authorities seek to strengthen public trust in the Nigeria Police Force through stricter recruitment standards.
