The Official Ranks In The Nigerian Police Force

Ranks In Nigeria Police Force

The Ranks In Nigeria Police Force are divided across three structures; Administrative, Authority and Organizational structure. The authority ranks in Nigeria police force (NPF), from top to bottom is the Inspector General of police down to the constable.

The Authority Structure of The Nigerian Police Force

Ranks In Nigeria Police Force

The Inspector-General of Police

In accordance with section 215(2) of the 1999 Constitution, section 6 of the Police Act, 1990,  “the Force shall be commanded by the Inspector-General of Police”.

This simply means that orders, directives and instructions to carry out the duties with which the Police is carried, flows from the Inspector-General of Police, through the chain of Command, to any Officer positioned to implement such order.

The office of the Inspector General of Police is the highest rank in the Nigeria Police force.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police

According to section 7(1) of the Police Act, the Deputy Inspector General of Police is the second in Command of the Force and shall so act for him in the Inspector-General’s absence.

Section 5 of the Act makes room for as many DIGs as the Nigeria Police Council considers appropriate. Every other rank below the IG, takes order of Command from him, in the performance of their lawful duties.

The Asst. Inspector-General of Police

The Office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police is provided for by section 5 and 8 of the Police Act. He shall act for the Inspector-General of Police in the event of the absence of the Inspector-General of Police and Deputy Inspector-General of Police

The Commissioner of Police (In-charge of contingents in a state)

Section 5 of the Police Act, in accordance with the provisions of section 215 (2), of the Nigeria Constitution, provides for the Office and rank of a Commissioner of Police who shall be in Control of contingents of the Police Force stationed in a State. He is subject however, to the command of the Inspector-General of Police or who-so-ever acts for him, in his absence.

Every other rank in the Force is legally provided for by section 5 of the Police Act. The Command structure of the Nigeria Police can be presented in order of hierarchy as in the chain here under.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police

The Asst. Commissioner of Police

The Chief Superintendent of Police

The Superintendent of Police

The Deputy Superintendent of Police

The Asst. Superintendent of Police

The Inspector of Police

Sergeant Major

Sergeant

Corporal

Constable

The Administrative Structure of The Nigerian Police Force

The Nigeria Police is administratively structured and divided into departments: ‘A’ – ‘G’ with each department charged with peculiar duties. Although their duties are inter-woven, they are distinguishable.

‘A’ DEPARTMENT:- ADMINISTRATION

Direction, supervision and co-ordination of the various department within the Nigerian Police Force

‘B’ DEPARTMENT:- OPERATION

Responsible for Planning and organizing internal security measures and monitoring the execution of such security measures in the country

‘C’ DEPARTMENT:- LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY

Responsible for the supply of needed tools the Nigerian Police force needs to operate.

These includes; uniforms, planning of building programmes, construction and maintenance of Police Buildings and quarters, determination of costs of all equipment, e.g. vehicles, planes, Helicopters; Wireless equipment, Bomb Disposal equipment, Force Animals, Arms & Ammunition and other riot equipment, Boats, Medical, Stationers, Spare parts, Printing equipment.

‘D’ DEPARTMENT:- INVESTIGATION AND INTELLIGENCE

This department is responsible for criminal Investigations; Interpol, Antiguitics, Crime Prevention Policies, Narcotics, Forensic Matters, Crime Records, Prosecution and Criminal Intelligence.

‘E’ DEPARTMENT:- TRAINING AND COMMAND

Formulation and implementation of a training policy and plan for the Nigerian Police Force. Well researched training programmes to keep pace with modern thought in the field of training, staff development and equipment.

‘F’ DEPARTMENT

The ‘F’ department is responsible for research, Planning, Inspectorate Division, Management Information, Organization and Method

‘G’ DEPARTMENT (ICT)

The ICT department has become an important department and rightly so, as ICT has become a very important tool in fighting crime.

It is tasked with the duties of developing and implenting ICT Policies and programmes for the Nigeria Police Force.

OFFICE OF THE FORCE SECRETARY

The office of the force secretary is tasked with the duties of Promotion and appointment of Superior Police Officers, Deployment of Superior Police Officers, keeping records of Superior Police Officers, Discipline of Superior Police Officers, Police Council meeting, Inter-Ministerial matter; and Promotion Boards.

The Organizational Structure of The Nigerian Police Force

The Nigeria Force is further structured in line with the geo-political structure of the Country, with provisions for supervisory formations. The structure formation enables Police operational of the internal Territory of Nigeria.

The organisational structure of the Police Force is represented as shown below:

Force Headquarters

Zonal Headquarters

State Commands Headquarters

Area Commands Headquarters

Divisional Police Headquarters

Police Station

Police Post

Village Police Post.

This structure is supposed to help the entire populace feel the impact of the Nigerian Police Force.

170 thoughts on “The Official Ranks In The Nigerian Police Force”

  1. Thank you very much for putting together this excellent piece on the Police Ranks In Nigeria. I have a brother who is aspiring to be one and looking out to how long it will take him, lol.

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  2. What rank can become a DPO in the Nigeria police force? And, is there a major course you must study before you can become a DPO? Lastly, is DPO a rank in the police force?

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    • DPO isn’t a Rank in the Rank and file of the Nigerian Police but a position one can attain to in the cause of Service. The position of a DPO is usually front the Rank of SP or CSP and he head a Division of the Police in an Area and may have other Police Posts under the division headed by a Sergeant.

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  3. God bless Nigeria,God bless the Nigerian police force.I wish to join the Nigerian Police Force if there’s opportunity.God bless Nigeria.God bless Nigerian Police Force.Omo Oba.

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  4. I want to join the Nigeria police force to enhance the importance of life in our country by working in partnership with the community and in accordance with constitutional rights to enforce the laws, preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide a safe environment .
    GOD bless Nigeria, Nigeria police force

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  5. What rank can become a DPO in the Nigeria police force? And, is there a major course you must study before you can become a DPO? Lastly, is DPO a rank in the police force?

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  6. I salute all Nigeria police for their support giving to civilians.I which I av opportunity to join Nigeria police in other to serve,protect,secure,and also promote d good name of Nigeria police. I pray 2019 recruitment shall be in my favour. Amen AM AKINLAJA AYODEJI O.

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  7. Sincere appreciation to you for this wonderful narration, please if it can be possible for you, avail this ranks and their pictures so we can easily differenciate them, God bless you

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  8. Plz could u enlighten d public equivalence with d army of each rank?….enlighten d public positions and responsibilities in a police station, how to make official report at d station and to who report should b made?

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  9. I salute to nigerian police force i wish you all the best

    i want to be nigerian police becouse i want serve my country thank you
    i salute to you once again

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  10. Working hard is human determination, it brought my attention to emphasis for given all my experience to serve and contributed my father land.

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  11. I highly salute the organize police force as such I hopefully join the NPF in this 2018 as I will buy my form today. Longlive NPF

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    • my dream is to be a nigeria police officer to work with all my strength and power against any crime and criminal for the sake of my country

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  12. I’m Ononaji Uche Dubem, the son of Superintendent theaddus Ononaji(PM). I’m happy to see that the Nigeria police force is well organized, for I hope to join the force soon immediately after my NYSC. God bless Nigeria, God bless the Nigeria police force.

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  13. I salute all Nigeria Police Officers, Police force is my ambition since when I was in primary school, and I still haven’t changed my mind.

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  14. gud bless u oll,but my advice is to is few,why don’t the superiors in charge of logistics do sumtin abt the accommodation,feeding and well fairs of policemen,policemen are not respected bcox of thre lack of physical health appearance and ungood looking in the society. thanks u and god bless

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  15. in my local government all this English is a grammar. although maybe is this change. I love the organization if it came to true.

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  16. i wish to be in Nigerian police force. Why because. i went depend my nation in order to protect our strenght and loyality

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  17. wow! I love your job and I have always loved to work in the police force and I still desire to work there especially in the administrative section as a crime detective.

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  18. may Allah protect All Nigerian police to the mission of criminals
    inshaAllah may join the Nigerian police force NPF.

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  19. Good job. Indeed this is a helpful information for those who wanna joint the NPF. May the Almighty Allah bless our dear Country and erase our enermy of Peace and economy.

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  20. I LIKE NIGERIA POLICE. HOWEVER I WISH SOMETHING IS DONE ON CHECKING THE INABILITY TO HAVE ACTUAL FIGURE OF THE FORCE MEN

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  21. I have already made in my mind whatever the case may be, insha Allah to become a police officer in order to serve my country with full strength and loyalty. May Allah help us.

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  22. Am a student of criminology and security studies , I attended police secondary school, every day of life I have love to be a police officer, which after my BSc and masters in security Studies by the special grace of God I shall join the police to fight crime and corruption.

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  23. Kudos to npf,we the new generation of officers are coming to write our names on the sand of time and good service delivery.npf must get better.

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  24. GOD bless the Nigeria Police. and grant each and every one of them power over corrupt leaders. I am proud of the Nigeria Police Force. May GOD sustain the lives of those that are close to retirement and every other ones that are still in service.

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  25. Good morning. I like Nigeria police force so i apply this year. I don’t know if you can give me any tips to make it into NPF. tnks

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  26. I am very happy to see many people who also have the interest to be a police officer. I pray that our dreams of becoming a police officers will materialize. I also pray that the 2016 recruitment will be base on ‘truth’ if not, even it will only bring God anger and not His blessings. May God help us all.

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  27. I want to join the Nigeria Police Force in other to protect the interest of the masses and also to save lives and property.

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  28. I respect Nigeria police force a lot I wish to become police and have my own contribution to the system.

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  29. The greatess nigerian police, i salute you the best salutation, the salutation of nigerian police. I wil lyk 2 dropt my comment about the wrong perception of nigerian citizens. They’re lokin anyone as corrupt as long as ur police. Plz try nd change their mine by changing ur behaviour.

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  30. off course let me say once again that we can only have a result oriented and effective policing, when the recruitment of npf officers is basically done on merit and dictative competency of applicants, and not justt that he is my brother or sister bases .No nation can survive the threat of terrorism and internal insecurity unless adequate measure is surely in place to ensure the placement of competent personnels. the police service commission under the able leadership of retired I.G mike okiro should be careful in this recruitment process and may God almighty in his infinite mercy help me to survive successfully, my application as Asp. God bless the men and women of the gallant force, God bless federal republic of nigeria iam chukwuma Nnamene from Enugu state of Nigeria.

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  31. Kudos to the men and women of the npf for their roles towards eradication of civil crimes in nigeria……only God can reward u all for for such a life- cost humanitarian service . long live to u. all.

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  32. i dream of joining NPF after my HND, But here in Lagos police are really harsh in terms of treating the poor like a slave and sending the innocent people to prison…but if ever i join the police force i will always fight for corruption and injustice in terms of getting more details from the prisoners that were not guilty due to lack of finance or family support..God bless the IG of Nigeria..

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  33. Let us all always have the interest of our great nation at heart, lets make Nigeria a corruption free nation and work toward United Nigeria. I wish to join the (NPF) this year. Keep up the good work

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  34. Many a time, as civilians, we complain of d maladministration and corruption in d police force. we sit back at home, putting blames on d conduct and actions and reactions of d police.
    D big question for all of us is, what are we doing to make d police force better? We are needed to show wot is ryt since we believe dey are not showing it.
    As for me, i durf my cap for a great job by d Nigerian police, and my utmost desire is to b an Inspector General of Police one day. I love you and as I try harder to b a police man or a general, I pray God will help me.

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  35. Kudos to d Npf. IGP u too much. We r ur fans. Long live d Npf; long live our IGp; Long livevd Federal Republic of Nigeria

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  36. I will meet u guys on top up up police force! I will soon join you people by the grace of God may God Amighty see me through in Jesus name Amen

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  37. kudos to Nigeria police force, for their inexhaustible effort in maintaining laws and orders in this great Nation. may the Lord guide all of you at every point in time in Jesus name Amen.

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  38. Good organization and well structured, thanks for those officers who often put their lives in danger for our sake. But one thing I want advice or suggest to those officers in administrative position of authorities. To make sure they help to provide adequate equipment for men on operation. Not necessarily Guns but sensitive detective devices. And also adequate technological training. Fighting crime today has gone beyond physical combat in as much as we are part of the global village. Thank you all for opportunities to share our ideas and thought, please do let some us know how our contribution are enabled us share more. Ben A. A.

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  39. I so much love anything call force, my interest in it is great may God help those that God ave gave an opportunity to the job, n guide them, God bless my country God bless Nigeria.

    I know if my God want me to be, one day I will be!!!

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  40. worth a wonderful job,dis npf has bin my aim since i was 9 years but hv bin tinkin of a way now to b part of npf inshall allahu bcos dey very intellectual and talented in d aspect of varous decipline and protection of the citizen. As u continue protecting us,may god protect u also amen

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  41. the Npf has been an intrigal part if the war againat all the centrifugal factor threating our national peace and unity, may God give me the privilege to contribute for a resourceful Npf.

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  42. NPF are really trying their best, How I wish I will be shortlisted for this 2016 cadet ASP recruitment. God help me oooooo

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  43. police is a quiet good job,is some of the police officers are disgracing the work. I personally dreaming to become a police officer,but to behave otherwise in sha Allah.

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  44. I SALUTE THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE, AM HERE TO SAY GREAT JOB, AND I PRAY THAT GOD WILL INCREASE UR STRENGHT, AM EVEN IMPRESSED IN YOU, AND NIGERIA POLICE FORCE IS MY DREAM AND FUTURE WORK, AND I PRAY THAT GOD WILL LET IT BE IN JESUS NAME.

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  45. Nice administrator, am happy to see a sequencialy arrange ranks of the nigeria police force. May God bless them with a knowladge of carrying their duties effectively, am along the line coming to be part of this special group as my dream in life. I love u all i still remain “abraham sullem munga”

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  46. The Nigerian Police Force has the highest and most populated useless set of Civil Servants within this our Loco country called Nigeira.

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  47. The nigerian police are trying bcos it is not easy for one 2 risk his life for others. More grease 2 ur elbows.

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  48. I am a son of a farmer who since from my childhood love to be the member of the Npf.I really salute everyone in the system for selfless service to strength the coexistence of our beloved nation. Thank you all.

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  49. My first dream in life is become police,if adult ask me wat are your dream,i said police they we all laugh at me,am proud,people say y don’t u pick doctor,accountant,but i don’t lky them,even my mom is nt happy wen i said i want to become a police in future,despite is a police woman,because my dad die in a investigation scene,his also a police man which am proud of,he don’t take rubbish,r i p dad,more power to the police elbow

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  50. Hamidu peter is my name, son of recently retired DSP Hamidu Begiling. I want to use this medium to thank you all for the great job done in the country, even due the nigeria police are been less valued in terms of equiptment and pay. Wish you all the very best. I pray to be given the chance to serve as my father’s when the screening began. Thank you

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    • Plz could u enlighten d public on equivalence with d army of each rank?….enlighten d public positions and responsibilities in a police station, how to make official report at d station and to who report should b made?

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  51. We all have the future abition but, we are just waiting for a time. insha allah we are among the 2016 candidate. i give salote to ( NPF)

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  52. I am waiting for January by the grace of God if am granted the opportunity to contribute my own quatar in building a united Nigeria through effective policing.well done to all our gallant officers out there

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  53. Indeed i salute the Nigerian police,for material and non material effort,God in his mercy will strenghten your power,amen.i am a graduate and wish to be part of the leading force in future.

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  54. Wonderful Job as its quite detailed abt d Organsisation and Practice of the Nigeria Police force. Its our duty to make our society more particpatory in the affairs of security measures. Every Nigerian needs to understand that he is a stake holder in the Success and Integrity of the Nigerian police as its seems to be an entity far seperated and disconnected from the security needs of the people and outrightly irrelevant to the insecurity plight of the Nigerian People. Its high time d police commission had stop been seen as a shodow and black organisation.

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  55. Seriously I really like the nigerian forces,either the army nd all other forces.u all are really tryin,I mean u are all doin well,I wish u all Victory in every situation..”Lastly I wish to join the nigerian forces..I really like the JOB

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  56. I can see real Changes in Nigeria Police,i give kudos to the I.G Solomon Aranse and other top officer for their support to reform Nigeria Police but the best are yet to come,The I.G must make sure that all the bad heads in the force are flush out,God bless Nigeria.

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  57. I salute Nigeria police force ,d re doing a great job 24hrs woking but pls wht d re been paid is nothing to write home abt after hard working .federal govt shld seriously do smthn abt their increasment pls.d deserve to b well paid nt jst penut

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  58. I am Emmanuel,Very well then, after reading this i feel good, but theres still more to be done, i believe in the future of the npf.

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  59. Every has a dream, mine is to be nigeria police, just to serve my country though it is not just, may Allah in his power protect nigeria with protection of Nigerian police.

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    • Nigeria Police Force is the image of this country, although some Personels are currupt therefore staining the image of the Police Force. let us change n bring the lost glory of NPF back. Am Not a Police but i love Police God bless NPF.

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  60. May God bless Nigeria Police they are putting their life in Danger just because of you and i. May Almighty God reword you people Amen.

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  61. i can’t believe it, so the Nigerian police is this organised? For the first time! I salute the nigerian police force!!!

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  62. Am a son to sulpo Ogunlaja Safiriyu,DSP retried.the NPF are trying but i want them to put-in more effort.may God be with you all.amen.

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  63. I salute the Nigerian police force and i am here to seek for a prayer ,am still students of the year and i want to be a police officer insha Allah.I salute the Nigerian police force ones again and for those who impressed them safe to be a police officer

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    • Thanks for a wonderful job done. I appreciate. I request that you provide the equivalent uniform ranking sign of each position e.g. One star, 2 ranks, 3 ranks e.t.c.
      As i look up to join the force soonest….

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    • Plz could u enlighten d public equivalence with d army of each rank?….enlighten d public positions and responsibilities in a police station, how to make official report at d station and to who report should b made?

      Reply

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