Police To Recruit 30,000 Constables As 10 Bag Awards At PTS Odukpani

By Jonathan Ugbal

The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun says the Nigerian Police Force will soon commence the process of recruiting 30,000 constables into the force in line with the directives of Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu.

The country’s top cop stated this during the Passing out Parade of constables at the Police Training School, PTS Odukpani on Tuesday where he said the Force is witnessing “renewed investments in manpower, logistics, and welfare; all of which are essential to building a more responsive and a people-centered police force.”

“The President’s approval for the additional recruitment of 30,000 constables over the next few years, demonstrates an unwavering resolve to address manpower gaps in policing and enhanced security delivery, nationwide,” Mr. Egbetokun, represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in Charge of Zone 6, Auwal Muhammad said.

“Shortly, after this Passing Out Parade ceremony, machinery will be set in action for the implementation of the presidential approval for the recruitment of 30,000 constables,” he added.

Also, the IGP, expressed confidence that, “the knowledge and discipline imparted on them will reflect on their professional conduct and their contributions to safer communities across Nigeria.”

“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,” Mr. Egbetokun said.

“The Uniform you wear is a symbol of trust, and it must never be used to intimidate or oppress the people you are sworn to protect. Uphold the rule of law, act with compassion, and remember that the true measure of your success lies in the safety, peace, and confidence of the communities you serve,” he added.

Reiterating this, the Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Rashid Afegbua who was the CP in charge of training during the recruitment of the 2022/2023 batch, averred that, “as you go to your various duties from here in your posting, I urge you to serve the country selflessly and with discipline.”

The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer of the Cross River State Command, Igri Ewa, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, told CrossRiverWatch that a total of 693 constables were graduated from the training school today.

In addition to training Constables from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers States, DSP Ewa said some Constables from Benue State were trained here too.

Recruitment History

The conclusion of the ceremony marks the end of a process that commenced four years ago when former IGP Usman Baba disclosed that the then President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the recruitment of 20,000 junior officers.

The process stalled for a while, with the first batch of 10,000 Constables entered training schools and colleges in August 2024. They graduated in January 2025 after 25 weeks, of which 1,033 were trained in Odukpani.

The second batch of 10,000 resumed in March 2025, and have graduated today across the country. This means PTS Odukpani trained 1,726 Constables out of 20,000 which represents 8.63 percent.

Awardees

10 recruits were awarded, including PC Wisdom Udofia from Akwa Ibom and PC Gregory Thelma from Cross River as best Male and Female recruits in drill, while PC Agara Christopher Endurance from Obubra, and PC Patrick Denis from Ogoja, both in Cross River State, were awarded best recruits in academic and sports respectively.