A total of 5,501 applicants from Kogi State are among those jostling for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), a Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Mr Shuaibu Lawal Gambo has disclosed.
Gambo made this disclosure in Lokoja on Wednesday while supervising the ongoing recruitment into the force
The DIG, who is in charge of Finance and Administration at the force headquarters, said that the number will be pruned down to 1,500.
According to him, it is the selected 1,500 that will be allowed to participate in the next phase of the selection process, which will involve written test.
It would be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari recently gave approval for the recruitment of additional 6,000 policemen into the force.
Gambo said that he was in Lokoja to ensure fairness and transparency in the recruitment process and to see whether due process was being followed.
“So far, from what I have seen after going round myself, I believe everything is going well.
“I think the problem they may have here is time constraint. They are supposed to do this within one week. The screening is very tedious. We made it that way so that we can get the best.
“I don’t think the time given for the screening is enough. However, we will see how it works out. But I believe there is need for us to advise the IG to extend the exercise.
“This is just stage one. From here, they will go for further screening. Those who will be selected will be given the best training which will reflect on the performance of the police generally,” he said.
The DIG warned against given money to officers of the command to influence recruitment , saying that any one caught in the act will face the law.
” I want to appeal to members of the public not to give money to any police officer for this recruitment. If you do, you are loosing your money.
“Nothing is required from you. You will be tested here, reviewed here and only those that are good will be selected,” he explained.
Gambo warned that any police officer caught collecting money for the exercise will be dismissed instantly.
