Police Service Commission said on Wednesday that Adamawa State recorded the highest number of applicants in the ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force, as 616,873 applications were received nationwide.
Of the total submissions, 434,604 applicants qualified for further screening, while 121,596 were disqualified and 60,673 entries were deemed invalid.
Regarding gender distribution, 442,592 applicants were male and 114,640 were female.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja, Chairman of the PSC Standing Committee on Police Matters, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd), said Adamawa led with 38,989 applications, followed by Benue State (34,511), Kaduna State (30,397), and Borno State (24,009).
He noted that some states recorded low turnout, including Ebonyi State (1,667), Anambra State (1,739), Bayelsa State (2,430), and Lagos State (2,448).
Lakanu explained that early disparities in participation prompted the commission, in collaboration with the police and stakeholders, to approve a two-week extension, which improved turnout nationwide. He added that the high number of applications reflects growing confidence among Nigerian youths in policing as a career of honour and service.
The next phase of the recruitment process — physical screening and credential verification — will begin on March 9, 2026. Comprehensive drug integrity tests will be conducted in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to ensure only candidates of sound health and integrity are admitted.
Lakanu said successful candidates will be posted to designated police colleges for training before deployment. He also announced a whistle-blowing policy to enable Nigerians report recruitment irregularities, assuring confidentiality and investigation of all reports.
The recruitment portal opened on December 15, 2025, and closed February 8, 2026, after an extension. A total of 434,604 qualified applicants will compete for 50,000 available slots.
