Nigeria police recruitment: Entry categories and how to apply

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has announced the commencement of a nationwide recruitment exercise into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), inviting eligible Nigerians to apply as General Duty or Specialist Constables.

Contents

Categories of entry Eligibility requirements Professional qualifications Application process Important notes Timeline

The recruitment, conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, is aimed at strengthening national security while creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians with diverse skills and professional backgrounds.

Categories of entry

Applicants can apply under two main categories:

General Duty Recruits

Police Constables

Specialist Recruits, including:

Medical assistants
Drivers (with valid driver’s licence)
Mechanics and auto-electricians
Dispatch and escort riders
Forensic assistants, robotics and drone operators
ICT operators and technicians
Data and analytical support officers
Dog handlers (K9 section)
Horse riders (Mounted Troop)
Marine workers such as deckhands, launch quartermasters, underwater welders, marine mechanics and engineers
Artisans including electricians, plumbers, refrigeration/AC technicians, generator repairers, welders and tailors
Communication technicians
Band and musical equipment specialists

This structure allows both skilled and semi-skilled applicants to participate in the recruitment process.

Eligibility requirements

To qualify, applicants must:

Be Nigerian citizens by birth
Be physically and mentally fit
Be of good character with no criminal conviction
Not be facing any financial embarrassment
Present two character referees
Be aged 18–25 years for General Duty
Be aged not more than 28 years for Specialists
Female applicants must not be pregnant at the time of application and throughout training
Be free from physical deformities such as knocked knees, bow legs, bent arms or legs, flat feet, amputations, or other visible deformities
Meet height requirements:
- Male: minimum of 1.67m
- Female: minimum of 1.64m
Male applicants must have an expanded chest measurement of at least 86cm (34 inches)

Professional qualifications

General Duty applicants must possess a minimum of five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in WAEC, NECO, GCE, or SSCE, in not more than two sittings.
Specialist applicants must possess a minimum of four credits, including English and Mathematics, in not more than two sittings, along with relevant Trade Test Certificates and at least three years’ work experience where applicable.

Application process

Applications must be submitted online via the official PSC recruitment portal. Applicants are required to:

Have a valid National Identification Number (NIN)
Provide a functional email address and phone number
Upload scanned copies of academic certificates, birth certificates, and state or local government certificates of origin
Upload relevant Trade Test Certificates and driver’s licences (for specialist roles where applicable)

Important notes

All applicants will undergo physical screening, medical examinations, aptitude tests, and background verification
The recruitment process is completely free
Any form of bribery or inducement will be investigated and punished
The process will be strictly monitored to ensure fairness and transparency