On Monday, September 29, 2025, thirty senior police officers took a compulsory promotion examination administered by the Police Service Commission. This examination is now a requirement for advancing to the next rank in the Nigeria Police Force.

According to a statement signed by Mr Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations of the Commission, thirty senior police officers were invited for a promotion examination held at the Solomon Arase Conference Hall, Corporate Headquarters of the Police Service Commission.

The officers included:
1 Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG)

2 Commissioners of Police (CPs)

11 Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs)

17 Assistant Commissioners of Police (ACPs), with 16 attending the exercise

The examination is part of the Commission’s efforts to ensure merit-based promotions and restore professionalism in the Nigeria Police Force.

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‎The Police Service Commission’s Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector General of Police Hashimu Argungu, has warned that any police officer who fails the compulsory promotion examination three times will be retired from service at their current rank due to obvious incompetence.

The Chairman remarked that the promotion examination was one of the innovations that has come to stay in the career progression of serving Police officers, stressing that, “though coming late in the day, it is still a good development that is expected to restore the dignity of the Nigeria Police Force.”

He stated “The world has since embraced the era of skill,” and emphasized that police officers seeking career advancement must adapt to its demands.

Argungu, emphasized that the Commission is prioritizing due diligence to prevent errors in promotions, particularly ensuring that deceased or retired officers aren’t mistakenly promoted. This move aims to maintain the integrity of the promotion process.

The following dignitaries were in attendance at the promotion examination;

Justice Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court

DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd), retired Deputy Inspector General of Police

Justice Christine Ladi Dabup (Rtd), retired judge

DIG Uba Bala Ringim (Rtd), retired Deputy Inspector General of Police

Alhaji Abdulfatah Mohammed, and all Honourable Commissioners in the Commission.

These esteemed individuals, who are part of the Police Service Commission, observed the examination process, which aimed to uphold merit-based promotions and restore professionalism in the Nigeria Police Force.