Nigeria Police to Recruit 30,000 New Constables as IGP Egbetokun Commends Graduates at PTS Odukpani
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has announced plans to recruit 30,000 additional constables into the Nigeria Police Force in the coming years, following the approval of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
IGP Confirms Massive Recruitment Drive
According to details obtained by Akahi News, the IGP disclosed this during the Passing Out Parade of the 2022/2023 batch of constables at the Police Training School (PTS) in Odukpani, Cross River State. Represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 6, Auwal Muhammad, Egbetokun said the new recruitment exercise forms part of the government’s broader plan to strengthen national security through manpower expansion.
“The President’s approval for the recruitment of 30,000 constables over the next few years demonstrates an unwavering resolve to address manpower gaps in policing and enhance security delivery nationwide,” he said.
He added that preparations were already in motion to implement the presidential directive immediately after the ceremony, describing the move as a strategic step towards “building a more responsive and people-centred police force.”
IGP Charges Recruits on Discipline and Integrity
The police chief charged the newly graduated constables to exhibit professionalism and integrity in their duties.
“Policing is not merely a job — it is a sacred duty. Your conduct must be guided at all times by professionalism, integrity, and respect for the rights and dignity of all citizens,” Egbetokun stated.
He emphasised that the police uniform symbolises trust and should never be used to intimidate or oppress citizens. “Uphold the rule of law, act with compassion, and remember that your true measure of success lies in the peace and safety of the communities you serve,” he said.
693 Constables Graduate from Odukpani Training School
The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command, DSP Igri Ewa, confirmed that 693 constables graduated from the Odukpani training school, which also trained recruits from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and parts of Benue State.
The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua, who oversaw the training process, congratulated the recruits and urged them to “serve the country selflessly and with discipline.”
Awards and Recognitions
Ten recruits were honoured for exceptional performance, including PC Wisdom Udofia (Akwa Ibom) and PC Gregory Thelma (Cross River) as best male and female recruits in drill.
Other awardees included PC Agara Christopher Endurance (best in academics), PC Patrick Denis (best in sports), PC Effiong Dominic Okon (most hardworking recruit), and PC Sarah Israel Leel (best-behaved female recruit).
Recruitment Timeline and Progress
The Odukpani event marks another milestone in the ongoing police recruitment reform that began under former IGP Usman Baba, when then-President Muhammadu Buhari approved the recruitment of 20,000 junior officers.
The first batch of 10,000 constables graduated in January 2025, while the second batch — 10,000 constables trained nationwide — passed out on Tuesday. With 1,726 officers trained at Odukpani, the institution now accounts for 8.63% of the total recruits.
The upcoming recruitment of 30,000 new constables is expected to significantly boost community policing efforts and address the persistent manpower shortage in the Nigeria Police Force.
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