RismadarVoice Reporters
February 25, 2026
Adamawa State has recorded the highest number of applicants in the ongoing recruitment exercise into the Nigeria Police Force, as a total of 616,873 applications were received nationwide.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja, noting that out of the total applications, 434,604 candidates qualified for further screening, while 121,596 were disqualified and 60,673 submissions were deemed invalid.
Chairman of the PSC Standing Committee on Police Matters, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd.), who addressed journalists, said Adamawa topped the list with 38,989 applications.
It was followed by Benue with 34,511; Kaduna with 30,397; and Borno with 24,009.
Providing a breakdown, Lakanu and said 348,974 applicants applied for General Duty positions, while 85,630 applied as Specialists.
On gender distribution, he revealed that 442,592 of the applicants were male, while 114,640 were female.
“I am pleased to present a summary of applications received: Total applications received: 616,873. Total qualified for further screening: 434,604. Unqualified applicants: 121,596. Invalid submissions: 60,673,” Lakanu said.
He, however, noted that some states recorded low turnout. Ebonyi posted 1,667 applications; Anambra, 1,739; Bayelsa, 2,430; and Lagos, 2,448.
According to him, disparities in state participation at the early stage of the exercise prompted the commission, in consultation with the Nigeria Police Force and other stakeholders, to approve a two-week extension to enable states with low turnout to intensify sensitisation.
The application portal, which opened on December 15, 2025, was initially scheduled to close on January 25, 2026, but was extended to February 8, 2026.
Lakanu said the high number of applications reflects growing confidence among Nigerian youths in policing as a career of honour and service.
He announced that the next phase of the recruitment process, physical screening and verification of credentials will commence on March 9, 2026. He added that comprehensive drug integrity tests would be conducted in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to ensure that only candidates of sound health and integrity are admitted.
“Drug users and persons of questionable character will not find their way into the Nigeria Police Force,” he stated.
The PSC also introduced a whistle-blowing policy to enable Nigerians report suspected irregularities in the recruitment process, assuring that all reports would be treated confidentially and investigated.
Lakanu reiterated the commission’s commitment to a transparent, merit-based and inclusive recruitment process in line with the federal character principle.
The 434,604 qualified applicants are expected to compete for 50,000 available slots in the Nigeria Police Force.
