Since assuming office in June 2023, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has overseen the promotion of 141,054 officers across all ranks in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), marking one of the most significant upward movements in recent history. The Force describes the exercise as a reflection of its commitment to meritocracy, professionalism, and the welfare of its personnel.
“This is a system that rewards professionalism and proven capacity,” IGP Egbetokun said. “We will not be swayed by those who trade in falsehood or seek to undermine the integrity of our institution. There is no promotion scandal in the Nigeria Police Force.”
Year-by-Year Promotions
2025: 74,352 Officers Elevated
The largest wave of promotions occurred in 2025, with 74,352 officers advancing across all ranks. Senior management positions saw AIGs promoted to DIGs and CPs elevated to AIGs, while middle and junior ranks experienced significant upward mobility. Notably, 30,828 Inspectors moved to ASP II, 16,970 Sergeants advanced to Inspectors, and 13,496 ASP I officers were promoted to ASP II. Other promotions spanned Corporals to Sergeants and Police Constables to Corporals, reflecting a comprehensive, merit-based advancement across the Force.
2024: 29,184 Officers Elevated
In 2024, 29,184 officers benefitted from promotions. Senior officers continued to move up, with AIGs, CPs, and DCPs advancing, while the bulk of promotions focused on middle ranks and junior officers. Among the highlights, 7,391 ASP I officers rose to DSP, 7,275 Inspectors advanced to ASP II, and 9,831 Police Constables were promoted to Corporals, showcasing the Force’s commitment to career progression at every level.
2023 (June–December): 37,518 Officers Elevated
Even in the first months following IGP Egbetokun’s appointment, 37,518 officers were promoted. This included 25,043 Sergeants advancing to Inspectors, 4,953 ASP I officers promoted to DSP, and hundreds of officers moving up through senior ranks. These early promotions set the tone for the IGP’s tenure, emphasizing merit, integrity, and diligence as the foundation for career growth.
A Culture of Recognition
Beyond the numbers, the promotion exercise is a clear statement of the NPF’s renewed focus on morale, welfare, and professionalism. Observers say that the 74,352 promotions in 2025 alone underscore the scale and significance of the upward movement, making it one of the most remarkable promotion exercises in recent NPF history.
For officers across the Force, these promotions are more than milestones—they are affirmations that hard work, discipline, and integrity are noticed and rewarded. Analysts note that such recognition fosters pride, encourages professionalism, and motivates officers to continue performing at their best.
Under IGP Egbetokun, the NPF is steadily evolving into an institution where merit, fairness, and career development go hand in hand, strengthening internal cohesion while enhancing public confidence in the Force.
