Officers write IGP, police commission, demand promotion review

Officers newly promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police II (ASP II) have called for a review of their promotion period dated January 5, 2026. The police operatives complained they were promoted to the rank of Inspectors in 2018, confirmed in 2020 and were due for promotion to ASP II in 2024. One of the affected […]

Officers newly promoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police II (ASP II) have called for a review of their promotion period dated January 5, 2026.

The police operatives complained they were promoted to the rank of Inspectors in 2018, confirmed in 2020 and were due for promotion to ASP II in 2024.

One of the affected officers, who requested anonymity for fear of being victimised, described the 2026 promotion date as unfair, noting that it would impact their career progression.

He urged the authorities to backdate the promotion to 2024 when he and his colleagues were actually due for it.

“We are appealing to the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission to look into this matter and act accordingly. This is a serious issue that borders on our career and we urge the authorities to review the date of our promotion.

“Our promotion was supposed to take effect from 2023 and not January 2026. We became confirmed Inspectors in 2020 and were due for elevation to ASP II in 2024. While we commend the commission for promoting us, we appeal that it should be properly backdated to enable us have a smooth career progression. We have written to the IGP and the police service commission over this matter, but no action has been taken,” the officer said.

Another affected officer explained that the established practices within the police and other security agencies, required that promotions are backdated to reflect the actual year of qualification or completion of the due process including examinations and interviews.

“All we are asking for is justice. We were due for promotion in 2024. The right thing to do is to backdate it to that period and not the date were eventually promoted which was January 2026. This is something that has to do with our career.

“We are making passionate appeals to the IGP and the Police Service Commission to to re-examine the promotion timeline and make appropriate adjustments. We remain committed to service the Nigeria Police faithfully. We urge the authorities to be show concern to matters like to boost our morale,” the officer stated.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the PSC, Torty Njoku Kalu, said he was not aware of the officers’ complaint, but assured that the commission would treat any valid grievances brought before it.

He said, “We have channels of communication through which they can communicate to the commission. They can draw our attention and we will look at their case. If there’s any merits to the case, we would handle it accordingly.

“If any police officer is not satisfied with his treatment, either concerning promotion or any other aspect of the commission, they should feel free to follow this communication channel and get to the commission. That is why we are there at the commission to entertain complaints both from members of the public and even the police themselves.”