The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has dismissed allegations of bias and irregularities in the Nigeria Police Force’s recent promotion exercises, insisting that every elevation under his administration has been guided strictly by merit, transparency, and established procedures.

Speaking during the decoration of newly promoted senior officers at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, the IG said attempts by mischief-makers to cast aspersions on the integrity of the process were unfounded and aimed at undermining public confidence in the Force.

He said, “Recent months have witnessed attempts by certain mischief-makers to cast shadows on the credibility of our promotion process, particularly the accelerated promotion exercise conducted a few months ago.

But truth stands taller than rumours. The Nigeria Police Force has nothing to hide and nothing to defend.

“Every promotion exercise conducted under this administration, including the accelerated promotion exercise, has followed the due process, transparent, merit-based, and in strict conformity with established standards. There is no promotion standard in the Nigeria Police Force. What we have is a system that rewards diligence, professionalism, and proven.”

He emphasised that the Force operates a system that rewards diligence, professionalism, and proven capacity, rather than favouritism, nepotism, or tribal sentiment.

“There is no place for favouritism or tribal sentiment in the Nigeria Police Force. Our promotions are guided solely by competence, performance, and discipline. This remains the cornerstone of our career management philosophy, for it motivates excellence, strengthens morale, and renews public trust in the Force,” he added.

Egbetokun, who decorated newly elevated Deputy Inspectors-General, Assistant Inspectors-General, and Commissioners of Police, described the ceremony as a reaffirmation of integrity, excellence, and distinguished service within the institution.

He congratulated the officers on their elevation, describing it as a recognition of their consistency, discipline, and patriotism, while reminding them that higher rank comes with greater responsibility.

“Every insignia worn at this level must represent not privilege, but purpose — a reminder that authority is meaningful only when it uplifts the institution and strengthens public trust,” he said.

The IG charged the senior officers to embrace community and intelligence-led policing strategies to tackle the evolving nature of crime driven by technology and global trends.

“The Nigerian people expect a Force that is smarter, more responsive, and deeply connected to communities. I urge you to harness technology, empower your personnel, and drive innovations that keep our operations ahead of criminal enterprises,” he said.

He also commended President Bola Tinubu for his continued support towards reforming and strengthening the Police Force, as well as the Police Service Commission for maintaining transparency and collaboration in managing police promotions.

On October 17, the Police Service Commission approved the promotion of CP Abibo Reuben from the rank of commissioner to the next rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police.

Also, 11 Deputy Commissioners of Police were elevated to the next rank of substantive commissioners among others.