Do you want in-depth information about Nigerian police ranks and their symbols? We’ve got you covered.
We see them in our communities, we see them on our high ways; Nigeria Police, in their uniforms carrying out their security duties.
I can’t help but question the fact that these officers still demand money on our roads, so I wanted to know about Nigerian Police Ranks and their salaries.
Come to think of it, we’ve heard a series of salary increment given to the Military and Police Force by the Federal Government but seems it’s changed nothing.
I believe that we are all becoming too familiar with the Police force particularly in Nigeria, due to the rapid increase in crime rate.
I don’t think a day will pass in this country and we won’t get news about one crime or the other either on the internet, radio or television. To be honest, this is discouraging.
Assuming it was around 1:00 am in the morning, then you woke up only to hear some strange sounds and unusual movement; your heart skipped and your mind started racing. Opening the curtain, you saw fully armed robbers in your compound.
Hmm, when this happens, what comes to your mind? Who do you call? I’m very sure that the first security personnel that comes to your mind are the Nigerian police.
Now you’ll agree with me that the Police force cannot be underestimated in society.
Police officers are readily available everywhere in the country, both in the rural and urban settlement, even in places where goats and sheep sleep on the road for 24 hours without disturbance.
Don’t mind me if you stay in such an environment…just kidding anyway.
I believe that there are many people out there that have desired to work in the Nigerian Police Force.
This has prompted me to talk not only about the Nigerian Police ranks and their salaries, but also to enlighten you on their duties and many more. So, come along with me.
Brief History of The Nigeria Police Force Commands
The Nigeria Police force have over the years acquired a very good image in the country. In 1820, the Nigeria Police Force was established, and it began with officers from the eastern part of Nigeria.
The first person to have the highest rank in all the police force is Commissioner General Colonel KK. Later, 1,200 members of the paramilitary Hausa constabulary was formed in 1879.
You should learn more about this constabulary of a thing in our post about Nigerian army ranks and symbols.
In 1896, the Lagos Police was established. By 2008, the Nigerian police ranks and officers had over doubled in size having about 371,800 personnel.
Presently, Nigeria with 36 states is served by an administrative unit which is known as state command.
The state command is grouped into 12 zonal commands with two to four states in each zone under the supervision of an (AIG) Assistant Inspector General.
State commands are divided into smaller area commands which are headed by a commissioner of police who will report to AIG in each zone. Now let’s talk the responsibilities of these officers.
Duties of the Nigerian Police Force
The duties of police officers are more than to pull people over, they perform multiple duties, therefore their work is really tough because they must be on duty round the clock, though police force works in shifts.
Here are some duties of Police officers
- They are assigned to the locality of cities, where there is fear of disorder and disruption.
- They also help to maintain law, peace, and order.
- Some police officers are also trained to control traffic and riots.
- They help to settle disputes among people.
- They fall back on firing in a worsen situation, but only with the approval of their superior.
Now that you already know that police officer do more than pull people over, our lives and properties are safe in their hands (at least to some extent).
Don’t you think we need to respect them and we also need to know more about their ranks and salaries? Now let’s talk about the Nigerian police ranks.
The Nigerian Police Rank and Symbol Promotion
The Nigerian Police ranks are divided into three structures which are:
- Authority
- Administrative and;
- Organizational structure.
I will like to talk about the Authority structure of the Nigeria police force in order of hierarchy.
The Nigerian police ranks go from the highest to the lowest starting from the rank of inspector general of police.
Promotion is not automatic and usually requires the candidate to pass some kind of examination, interview or other selection processes.
The fact is, a police officer has to serve his country in order to climb the ladder as this normally comes with an increase in salaries.
The rank is divided into two categories:
- Commissioned officers.
- Noncommissioned officers.
Commissioned Police Officers – Senior Ranks and Duties
- Inspector General of Police
He is responsible for everything going right and wrong in the Police force and reports directly to the president.
The Inspector General which is the highest, in Nigeria Police ranks is, therefore, the head of the Police Force in Nigeria.
- Deputy Inspector-General of Police
This is the second highest in the Nigerian police ranks. DIG of police is next rank to the Inspector General of Police, and there may be more than one Deputy Inspector General at a time.
All matters of importance dealt with by the Deputy Inspector General of police, during the absence of inspector General shall be referred to on his return.
- Assistant Inspector –General of Police
The Assistant Inspector –General is also the second in command to the Deputy Inspector General of Police, and this rank is the third highest in Nigerian Police ranks. Also, he is senior to all commissioners.
- Commissioner of Police
Each state command is headed by a commissioner of police who will account to the Assistant inspector general. This is the fourth in the Nigeria police force ranks.
- Deputy Commissioner of Police
As the name implies Deputy Commissioner of Police is subordinate to Commissioner of Police in the Nigerian police ranks, therefore he assists and takes over the command in the absence of the state commissioner.
- Assistant Commissioner of Police
He is being supervised by the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police. He/she can stand in the absence of both the Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner of Police.
This rank is above chief superintendent and below the deputy commissioner of police in the Nigerian police ranks.
- Chief Superintendent of Police
This is the number seven in the Nigeria police force ranks and it is higher than the superintendent of police.
- Superintendent of Police
The rank of Superintendent of police is lower than that of Chief Superintendent; therefore he assists chief superintendent of police. This Nigeria police ranks higher than that of Deputy Superintendent of police.
- Deputy Superintendent of Police
The rank of Deputy Superintendent is higher than that of Assistant Superintendent of Nigeria Police. And it is next to superintendent in the Nigerian police ranks.
- Assistant Superintendent of Police
It is the second lowest senior rank and it is subordinate to deputy superintendent in the Nigeria police ranks.
- Inspector of Police
It is the lowest in the Nigerian police ranks after undergoing training of service as a commissioned officer.
The Non-commissioned Officers (Junior Ranks)
- Sergeant Major: This is the highest rank of non-commissioned officer in the Nigeria Police force, and he assists the administrative officer of a particular regiment.
- Sergeant: This is the middle rank of a non-commissioned officer. It is subordinate to Sergeant Major in the Nigeria police ranks.
- Corporal: This rank is also one of the lowest Nigeria police ranks, and it comes after the rank of a sergeant. Corporal is also one of the police ranks in Nigeria which the officer can represent and performs the duties of Sergeant in his absence.
- Constable: A police constable in the Nigerian Police ranks is a new employee, positioned in the lowest rank in the Nigerian Police Force.
- The Police Recruit: The Police recruit which is the last in the Nigeria police ranks is also known as a trainee. This person is undergoing training to become a member of the police force.
Also Read: Nigeria civil defense corps salary structure
Nigerian Police Ranks and Their Salaries
Do you even know that the police work did not start as a paid profession? It rather started as a noble and honest profession.
So, would you like to know how much police officers take home at the end of the month?
Is risking their life worth their paychecks? Nigeria police officer salaries depend on his/her ranks in the Nigeria Police Force.
There are also many additional benefits in the Nigeria Police Force such as job security, sick leave, health insurance, and job security.
NOTE: Some of the positions are divided into two or more grades, levels and steps and this has specified a position in a scale of preference, in the Nigerian Police ranks listed below.
- Inspector General
Monthly Salary – #711,450
Annual Salary – #8,537,980
- Deputy Inspector-General of Police
Monthly Salary – #546,572.80
Annual Salary – #6,558,872.76
- Assistant Inspector –General of Police on Grade 16 (Step 5)
Monthly Salary – #499,751.87
Annual Salary – #5, 997, 022.44
4. Commissioner of Police on Grade 15 (Step 6)
Monthly Salary – #302,970.47
Annual Salary – #3,635,645.64
Commissioner of Police on Grade 15 (Step 1)
Monthly Salary – #266,777.79
Annual Salary – #3,201,333.48
5. Deputy Commissioner of Police on Grade 14 (step 7)
Monthly Salary – #278,852.79
Annual Salary – #3,346,233.48
Deputy Commissioner of Police on Grade 14 (step 1)
Monthly Salary – #242,715.65
Annual Salary – #2,912,587.80
6. Assistant Commissioner of Police on Grade 13 (Step 10)
Monthly Salary – #212, 938.16
Annual Salary – #2,555,257.90
Assistant Commissioner of Police on Grade 13 (Step 1)
Monthly Salary – #183,185.73
Annual Salary – #2,198,228.76
7. Chief Superintendent of Police on Grade 12 (Step 8)
Monthly Salary – #199,723.90
Annual Salary -#2,396,687.60
Chief Superintendent of Police on Grade 12 (Step 1)
Monthly Salary – #172,089.06
Annual Salary -#2,065,068.72
8. Superintendent of Police on Grade 11 (Step 10)
Monthly Salary – #187,616.69
Annual Salary – #2,251,400.28
Superintendent of Police on Grade 11 (Step 1)
Monthly Salary – #161,478.29
Annual Salary – #1,937,739.48
9. Deputy Superintendent of Police on Grade 10 (step 10)
Monthly Salary – #170,399.69
Annual Salary – #2,044,796.28
Deputy Superintendent of Police on Grade 10 (step 1)
Monthly Salary – #148,733.29
Annual Salary – #1,784,799.48
10. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP2) on Grade 09 (Step 10)
Monthly Salary – #156,318.39
Annual Salary – #1,875,820.68
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP1) On Grade 09 (Step1)
Monthly Salary – #136,616.06
Annual Salary – #1,639,392.72
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) On Grade 08 (Step 10)
Monthly Salary – #144,152.07
Annual Salary – #1,729,824.84
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) On Grade 08 (Step 1)
Monthly Salary – #127,604.68
Annual Salary – #1,531,256.16
11. Cadet Inspector on Grade 07 (Step 10)
Salary per month – #87,135.70
Salary per year – #1,045,628.10
Cadet Inspector on Grade 07 (Step 1)
Salary per month – #73,231.51
Salary per year – #878,778.12
Non-commissioned officers
12. Sergeant Major on Grade 06 (Step 10)
Salary per month – #62,204.88
Salary per year – #746,458.56
Sergeant Major on Grade 06 (Step 1)
Salary per month – #55,144.81
Salary per year – #661,737.72
13. Police Sergeant on Grade 05 (Step 10)
Salary per month – #55,973.84
Salary per year – #671, 686.08
Police Sergeant on Grade 05 (Step 1)
Salary per month – #48,540.88
Salary per year – #582,490.56
14. Police Corporal on Grade 04 (10)
Salary per month – #51,113.59
Salary per year – #613, 365.08
Police Corporal on Grade 04 (1)
Salary per month – #44,715.53
Salary per year – #536,586.36
15. Police Constable on Grade Level 10
Salary per month – #51,113.59
Salary per year – #613,363.08
Police Constable Grade Level 03
Monthly Salary – #43,293.80
Annual Salary – #519,525.6
- Police recruit
Monthly Salary – #9,019.40
Annual Salary – #108,233.
Duties of Assistant Superintendent of Police in Nigeria
Assistant Superintendent, or assistant superintendent of police (ASP), was a rank used by police forces in the British Empire.
It was usually the lowest rank that could be held by a European officer, most of whom joined the police at this rank. In the 20th century, it was in many territories opened to non-Europeans as well.
Today, this rank is found throughout The Commonwealth in police ranking structures including the UK’s Scotland Yard and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Commonwealth Caribbean states. The rank is above inspector (chief inspector) and below superintendent.
The Assistant Superintendent of Police in Nigeria is selected by the head of the Police Force in a state, The Commissioner of Police, to eligible candidates that must have achieved the Inspector of Police rank.
The level is directly below the Deputy Superintendent of Police rank, and is the sixth-lowest rank, above the Inspector of Police; Major Sergeant; Sergeant; Corporal; and the Constable.
More About Divisional Police Officer Rank (DPO)
State commands are divided into smaller areas commands, police divisions, police stations, police posts and village post which is headed by a DPO.
Meaning of DPO in the police force is a divisional police officer.
DPO’s are the most senior officer closest to the people in the community, and they have many police officers under their control and command.
A DPO reports to Area commander, who reports to the Commissioner of Police in the state, and in turn, reports to Assistant Inspector General that controls and commands a few states in the zone.
In most cases, this Nigeria police rank (DPO) leads other lower ranks in their team, and they are linked between the senior and junior officers.
The Divisional Police Officer in the Nigerian Police ranks is very important and care should be taken to select who to make a DPO.
A Divisional Police Officer rank is seen as an official representative of the government that must carry out his functions effectively and efficiently.
A good Divisional Police Officer must be a good listener, takes his decision and moves on without holding over, and he must not be influenced by the rich and powerful people in the public, therefore he must maintain good balance.
The maintenance of Nigeria police ranks is important in order to avoid disorder and confusion.
Also Read: Who was the first military head of state in Nigeria
Nigeria Police Form and Recruitment Exercise
Now that you are well informed about the Nigerian police ranks and their respective salaries, many people are anxious to know more about the Nigeria Police Force application form.
The following are the requirements for Nigeria Police Form Recruitment:
- Applicants must be a Nigerian either by birth or nationalization and possess National Identity card.
- Applicants must not be less than 18 years of age or more than 25 years of age.
- Before you can apply for Nigerian Police force you must not have any form of abnormalities or deformities such as Bent knees, flat feet, and amputation of any part of the body, deformed hands that cannot perform the full functions of the hand.
- Minimum height for the applicant must not be less than 1.67 metres for males and 1.64 metres for females.
- Must have an O’ Level certificate at least five credits passes in English Language and Mathematics in not more than two sittings in WASSCE/GCE/NECO/NABTEB.
- Advanced Level (A level), Ordinary National Diploma (OND), National Certificate in Education (NCE) or their equivalents (for cadet Inspectors).
- University degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND).
- Applicants must download and fill the Guarantors’ form.
- All applicants must be medically fit and meet the medical standards of the Nigerian Police Force.
You must also take note of the following if you want to apply for Nigeria Police recruitment.
- All applicants must have a functional Email Address and mobile phone number before you begin your application.
- Visit www.policerecruitment.ng
- Then, you are required to Fill and submit the online Form.
- After filling the necessary information on the Nigeria Police Force Portal, check your registered Email and print out the information sent automatically to your Email, and do not forget to copy and save your Registration number for future use.
NOTE: You will be required to present a hard copy of the Email message sent to you if you are shortlisted and contacted, for the next stage of the recruitment process.
No Email and phone number can be used more than once in this application.
Applicants with multiple applications would be disqualified.
The Nigerian Police Force shall not enter into any correspondences with a candidate or on behalf of candidates in this exercise aside this portal or candidates Email or telephones.
Nigeria Police Recruitment Portal
This is the official portal where you can always get the latest information about Nigeria Police Force, and this portal will help you understand more about how Nigeria police test applicant and how Nigeria Police shortlist and verify newly qualified candidates.
The Nigeria police recruitment portal was purposely designed by the Federal government to recruit new personnel. Feel free to visit the official website of the Nigerian police force via http://npf.gov.ng/ for every information you need.
Also Read: History of Nigerian military rule, causes, and impacts
The Police Ranks and Symbols PDF
You may want to keep this information for offline use so we’ve created the Nigerian police force ranks and their symbols pdf.
The Nigerian Police Ranks Conclusion)
So, there you have it on the Nigerian police ranks and salaries. In this post, we have carefully listed all the Nigeria police ranks.
To be honest, many Nigerians have lost confidence in the police force, due to the acts of some of its operatives.
Police officers need to be honest, kind and clear when communicating with those who break the law.
Also, maintenance is also needed in the Nigerian Police ranks from the highest ranking officer to the lowest officer.
I hope and believe that this post will really help many young people who desire to make a significant career in the Nigeria police force.
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