Ever wondered about the ranks in the Nigerian police force and how much the officers earn? You’ve come to the right place. The NPF has a clearly defined hierarchy, with each rank denoted by a specific uniform insignia. From the recruit to the Inspector-General of Police at the apex, the Nigerian police ranks symbolize the growth and responsibilities of each officer.
In this article, we give you the lowdown on all the Nigerian police ranks, from the entry-level recruit to senior officers like the AIG and DIG. We also provide the salary scale for each rank so you know how much the officers in your area probably earn. The Nigerian police may have its challenges, but its ranks and salary structures are quite straightforward. Read on to learn all about how the force operates based on ranks.
History of the Nigerian Police Force
The Nigerian Police Force has a long history dating back to 1820. A 1200 man armed paramilitary Hausa Constabulary was formed in 1879. The Lagos Police Department was created in 1896. The Niger Coast Constabulary, a comparable force, was formed in Calabar in 1894 under the newly established Niger Coast Protectorate. The Royal Niger Company established the Royal Niger Company Constabulary in the north in 1888, with headquarters in Lokoja.
Today, the Nigerian Police Force is the principal law enforcement agency in Nigeria, with over 371,800 sworn officers. The Nigeria Police Force is a massive organization made up of 36 state commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which are divided into 17 zones and eight administrative units. Kayode Egbetokun, the current IGP (Inspector General), leads the agency.
The Inspector General of Police, appointed by the President, oversees day-to-day operations. Ranks in the force range from the Entry-level Constable to the Inspector General of Police. Salaries increase with each promotion, topping out at ₦711,498 monthly for the IGP.
While the agency still struggles with corruption and human rights issues, recent reforms aim to improve public trust and effectiveness. Additional training, community policing and updated equipment are steps towards a modern police service.
Basic Duties of the Nigerian Police Force
As the principal law enforcement agency in Nigeria, the Nigerian Police Force carries out a range of essential duties to ensure public safety and maintain law and order. Here are eight basic responsibilities of the force:
Crime Prevention
The Nigerian Police Force is tasked with preventing criminal activities by proactively patrolling communities, gathering intelligence, and implementing preventive measures.
Law Enforcement
Officers enforce laws and regulations, apprehending individuals who violate them and ensuring justice is served. They investigate crimes, gather evidence, and present cases before the courts.
Public Order Maintenance
Maintaining public order is crucial, and the police force plays a vital role in managing protests, demonstrations, and crowd control situations, ensuring peaceful resolutions.
Emergency Response
The Nigerian Police Force collaborates with other emergency services to respond swiftly to crises, accidents, and natural disasters, providing assistance and support to affected individuals and communities.
Community Policing
Building strong relationships with communities is essential for effective policing. Officers engage with the public, organize community outreach programs, and work closely with residents to address local concerns and maintain trust.
Crime Investigation
Detectives within the force conduct thorough investigations into crimes, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and identifying perpetrators to ensure justice is served.
Public Safety Education
Educating the public about safety measures, crime prevention, and reporting procedures is crucial. Officers conduct awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars to empower individuals and communities with essential knowledge.
Collaboration with Security Agencies
The Nigerian Police Force collaborates with other security agencies at national and international levels to tackle transnational crimes, terrorism, and cross-border security challenges.
By fulfilling these duties, the Nigerian Police Force aims to create a safe and secure environment for all Nigerians. Efforts to improve training, community engagement, and modernization continue to strengthen the force’s ability to serve and protect the nation effectively.
Nigerian Police Ranks & Symbols
The Nigerian Police Force has a hierarchical structure with clearly defined ranks. As a police officer, you’ll start at the lowest rank and work your way up based on experience and performance.
The Nigeria Police Force Ranks in ascending order are:
- Police Recruit
- Constable
- Corporal
- Sergeant
- Sergeant Major
- Inspector of Police
- Assistant Superintendent of Police
- Deputy Superintendent of Police
- Superintendent of Police
- Chief Superintendents of Police
- Assistant Commissioner of Police
- Deputy Commissioner of Police
- Assistant Commissioner of Police
- Deputy Commissioner of Police
- Commissioner of Police
- Assistant Inspector-General of Police
- Deputy Inspector-General of Police
- Inspector-General of Police
Police Recruit
A police recruit is someone who is in the process of becoming a member of the police force. It is technically not a rank in the police force because an individual here is only a trainee.
Constable
The lowest rank in the Nigerian Police Force is Constable. As a Constable, you are basically an entry-level police officer. Your main role is to patrol the streets, direct traffic, and respond to emergency calls from citizens.
Constables typically have a secondary school education and must complete police academy training. The salary for a Constable is relatively low; however, there are opportunities for career growth into higher ranks over time with good performance. Officers in this rank are identified by a badge bearing two red downward-pointing arrowheads.
Many Constables aspire to rise in rank to Sergeant, Inspector and beyond for increased pay, authority and responsibility. With dedicated service, Constables can build a long career advancing through the ranks of the Nigerian Police Force.
Corporal
The rank of Corporal in the Nigerian Police Force is one above Constable, the lowest rank. As a Corporal, you are in charge of a small squad of Constables, usually 3 to 5 officers. Your main role is to supervise them and delegate responsibilities while also handling some investigative work and paperwork yourself. Corporals typically have at least 5 years of experience in the force.
Officers in this rank are identified by a badge bearing two red downward-pointing arrowheads.
Sergeant
As a Sergeant in the Nigerian Police Force, you are a senior non-commissioned officer. You lead a squad of Constables and Corporals, delegating tasks and overseeing operations. This officer’s emblem consists of three red arrowheads pointing downwards. Sergeants are the first line of leadership and command in the Nigerian Police.
Sergeant Major (SM)
Sergeants Major (SM) are senior non-commissioned officers in the Nigerian Police Force. As an SM, you lead a group of Sergeants and are responsible for their performance and conduct. Duties include:
- Supervising Sergeants and ensuring the quality of work
- Disciplining officers when needed
- Training and mentoring junior officers
- Allocating duties and deploying personnel
- Ensuring officers follow orders and regulations
The country’s coat of arms serves as the symbol for this rank.
Inspector of Police (IP)
The Inspector of Police, commonly known as Inspector, is a senior officer rank in the Nigerian Police Force. As an Inspector, you are in charge of overseeing and supervising the day-to-day activities of subordinate police officers like Sergeants, Corporals and Constables.
Your main role is to ensure that standard police procedures and protocols are properly followed. You may be assigned to oversee operations at a single police station or deployed to supervise a team during special operations and assignments. Inspectors can also serve as divisional heads in some police divisions and units.
A Principal Inspector is represented by three parallel bars,
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
The ASP is a senior officer rank in the NPF. As an ASP, you are in charge of an area command, division, or department. Your role involves supervising junior police officers.
Some of your key duties as an ASP include:
-Supervising investigations
-Monitoring law and order
-Staff discipline and welfare
-Allocating resources and personnel
-Ensuring compliance with set targets
Two vertically aligned stars represent officers in the ASP rank.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
As a DSP, you oversee a large number of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents. Your main role is to coordinate and supervise operations, making important decisions and managing your teams. This rank is represented by a vertically organized set of three stars.
Superintendent of Police (SP)
The Superintendent of Police (SP) is a senior police rank in the Nigerian Police Force. As an SP, you are in charge of a territorial division known as Area Commands. Your main role is to oversee all police operations and administration within your assigned division.
The salary is quite competitive and suitable for the immense responsibilities that come with this rank. The Nigerian coat of arms serves as the rank’s emblem.
Chief Superintendents of Police (CSP)
The Chief Superintendent of Police, commonly called CSP, is a high-ranking officer in the Nigerian Police Force. CSPs oversee entire divisions and lead other senior officers like Assistant Superintendents, Deputy Superintendents and Superintendents. To reach this rank, officers must have at least 15-20 years of experience in the force. A star and the Nigerian coat of arms are the symbols for officers in this rank.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)
As an ACP, you oversee lower-ranking officers and report directly to either the DCP or the Commissioner of Police. Some of your key responsibilities include:
- Supervising Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, and Chief Superintendents.
- Overseeing state police command administration.
- Coordinating with zonal Commands and State Commands.
- Ensuring discipline is maintained in the police force.
- Handling sensitive cases and operations.
The ACP rank is denoted by a laurel wreath surrounded by crossed tipstaves.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)
The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) oversees several Assistant Commissioners and other junior officers. As a senior officer, the DCP’s role is mainly administrative and supervisory. DCPs are usually found at State Police Commands or Zonal Police Commands. Some of their responsibilities include:
-Supervising Assistant Commissioners and other junior officers
-Strategic planning and administration
-Handling disciplinary issues and inter-agency cooperation
The DCP is a very prestigious rank in the Nigerian Police Force. The Deputy Commissioner of Police’s insignia is a star and crossed tipstaves surrounded by a laurel wreath placed on the shoulder.
Commissioner of Police (CP)
The Commissioner of Police (CP) is one of the highest-ranking officers in the Nigerian Police Force. As head of a state command, the CP is responsible for overseeing all police operations and activities within the state. The Inspector General of Police appoints the CP. The Commissioner of Police’s emblem is a Nigerian coat of arms and crossed tipstaves surrounded by a laurel wreath placed on the shoulder.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG)
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) is a very senior rank in the Nigerian Police Force. It is the third highest-ranking position. As an AIG, you oversee state commands and zones, supervising commissioners of police and their deputies. AIGs are usually very experienced officers that have served in the force for many years. The badge of the Assistant Inspector General is a Nigerian coat of arms with one bar and crossed tipstaves encircled by a laurel wreath worn on the shoulder.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG)
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) is one of the highest-ranking officer positions in the Nigerian Police Force. This is the second-highest rank in the Nigerian Police Force. As a DIG, you oversee entire police commands and have several Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs) reporting directly to you. The Police Service Commission promotes qualified AIGs to DIG. As a DIG, your role is to supervise and coordinate the activities of AIGs in your command. You also advise and make recommendations to the Inspector General of Police on police operations and administration.
The salary and allowances of a DIG are quite substantial. However, the role also comes with immense responsibilities and long working hours. It is not an easy job, but for the right leader, it can be highly rewarding. The Deputy Inspector-General’s rank emblem is similar to that of the IGP but with one star instead of two.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP)
The Inspector-General of Police, known as the IGP, heads the Nigerian Police Force. As the top-ranking police officer, the IGP oversees all police operations and administers the force. The IGP is appointed by the President on the advice of the Nigeria Police Council. To qualify for the role of IGP, you must have at least 35 years of experience in the police force and have risen to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General. The IGP is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the police. Duties include allocating resources, coordinating police training, and maintaining public order. The IGP also advises the federal government on police and security matters. The Inspector General badge features the country’s coat of arms, crossed tipstaves, and two stars, all surrounded by a laurel, which is normally placed over the officer’s shoulder.
Nigerian police salary 2023
The Nigerian police salary structure varies based on rank and years of service.
1. Police Recruit
Salary per month – ₦9,019.42
Annual Salary – ₦108,233
2a. Police Constable Grade Level 03
Salary per month – ₦43, 293.80
Annual Salary – ₦519,525.6
2b. Police Constable Grade Level 10
Salary per month – ₦51,113.59
Annual Salary- ₦613,363.08
3a. Police Corporal On Grade 04 (1)
Salary per month – ₦44,715.53
Annual Salary – ₦536,586.36
3b. Police Corporal On Grade Level 04 (10)
Salary per month- ₦51,113.59
Annual Salary – ₦613,365.08
4a. Police Sergeant On Grade 05 (step1)
Salary per month – ₦48,540.88
Annual Salary – ₦582,490.56
4b. Police Sergeant On Grade 05 (step 10)
Salary per month – ₦55,973.84
Annual Salary – ₦671,686.08
5a. A Sergeant Major On Grade 06 (step 1)
Salary per month – ₦55,144.81
Annual Salary – ₦661,737.72
5b. Sergent Major On Grade 06 (step 10)
Salary per month – ₦62,204.88
Annual Salary – ₦746,458.56
6a. Cadet Inspector On Grade Level 07 (step1)
Salary per month – ₦73,231.51
Annual Salary – ₦878,778.12
6b. Cadet Inspector On Grade 07 (step10)
Salary per month – ₦87,135.70
Annual Salary – ₦1,045,628.4
7a. Assistant Superintendent Of Police On Grade 08 (step1)
Salary per month – ₦127,604.68
Annual Salary – ₦1,531,256.16
7b. Assistant Superintendent Of Police On Grade 08 (step10)
Salary per month – ₦144,152.07
Annual Salary – ₦1,729,824.84
7c. Assistant Superintendent Of Police On Grade 09 (step1)
Salary per month- ₦136, 616.06
Annual Salary- ₦1,639,392.72
7d. Assistant Superintendent Of Police On Grade 09 (step10)
Salary per month – ₦156,318.39
Annual Salary – ₦1,875,820.68
9a. Deputy Superintendent Of Police On Grade 10 (step1)
Salary per month – ₦148,733.29
Annual Salary – ₦1,784,799.48
9b. Deputy Superintendent Of Police on Grade 10 (step10)
Salary per month – ₦170,399.69
Annual Salary – ₦2,044,796.28
10a. Superintendent Of Police On Grade 11 (step1)
Salary per month – ₦161,478.29
Annual Salary – ₦1,937,739.48
10b. Superintendent Of Police On Grade 11 (step 10)
Salary per month – ₦187,616.69
Annual Salary – ₦2,251400.28
11a. Chief Of Superintendent Of Police on Grade 12 (step1)
Salary per month – ₦172,089.06
Annual Salary – ₦2,065,068.72
11b. Chief Of Superintendent Of Police On Grade 12 (step8)
Salary per month – ₦199,723.96
Annual Salary – ₦N2,396,687.52
12a. Assistant Commissioner Of Police Grade 13 (step1)
Salary per month – ₦183,185.73
Annual Salary – ₦2,198,228.76
12b. Assistant Commissioner Of Police Grade 13 (step10)
Salary per month – ₦212,938.16
Annual Salary – ₦2,555,257.92
13a. Deputy Commissioner Of Police On Grade 14 (step1)
Salary per month – ₦242,715.65
Annual Salary – ₦2,912,587.8
13b. Deputy Commissioner Of Police On Grade 14 (step7)
Salary per month – ₦278,852.79
Annual Salary -₦3,346,233.48
14a. Commissioner Of Police on Grade 15 (step1)
Salary per month – ₦266,777.79
Annual Salary – ₦3,201,333.48
14b. Commissioner Of Police on Grade 15 (step6)
Salary per month- ₦302,970.47
Annual Salary – ₦3,635,645.64
- An Assistant Inspector General Of Police
Salary per month – ₦499,751.87
Annual Salary – ₦5,997,022.44
- Deputy Inspector General Of Police
Salary per month – ₦546,572.73
Annual Salary – ₦6,558,872.76
- Inspector General Of Police (IGP)
IGP Salary per month – ₦711,498
IGP Annual Salary – ₦8,537,976
What are the allowances Nigerian police officers are entitled to?
As a police officer in Nigeria, you are entitled to a variety of perks and benefits. Just like other Nigerian paramilitary organizations. These benefits include the following:
- Transport allowance
- Housing allowance and medical allowance. This is for those that stay outside the barracks.
- Special duty allowance,
- Special Force Allowance
If you serve for the required number of years, you may be eligible for a pension and a gratuity when you retire. Furthermore, Nigerian police officers are given a number of days off each year to make up for extra hours worked.
Nigerian Police Training Allowance
In the Nigerian Police Force, there is another allowance known as the training allowance. The allowances are for people undergoing training with the Nigerian Police force, whether through the Police ASP Program (those who entered the Nigerian Police as graduates), Nigerian Police Recruits, or the Nigerian Police Academy POLAC. The Nigerian Police Force Training Allowances are listed below.
- Nigerian Police Recruit Training Allowance: N8,000 – N12,000 monthly.
- Nigerian Police Academy Training Allowance: N20,000 – N25,000 monthly
- Police ASP Training Allowance: N13,000 – N18,000 monthly.
Conclusion
So there you have it, an overview of the ranks in the Nigerian police force and what you can expect in terms of salary and symbols of authority for each role. The police play an important part in maintaining law and order in society, though the profession certainly comes with its share of challenges and dangers as well. If you’re considering a career as a police officer in Nigeria, make sure you go in with realistic expectations about what the job may entail. But for the right person, serving and protecting the citizens of Nigeria can be a noble calling and rewarding life’s work.