Adamawa State has emerged as the top contributor in the ongoing Nigeria Police recruitment 2026, recording 38,989 applications out of a nationwide total of 616,873 submissions.
The figures were released by the Police Service Commission (PSC), which is overseeing the recruitment exercise into the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the commission, 434,604 applicants qualified for the next stage of screening, while 121,596 were deemed unqualified and 60,673 entries were invalid.
Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Borno Lead Applications
Adamawa led the chart with 38,989 applicants, followed by Benue (34,511), Kaduna (30,397), and Borno (24,009). However, some states recorded low participation.
Ebonyi posted 1,667 applications; Anambra, 1,739; Bayelsa, 2,430; and Lagos, 2,448.
Chairman of the PSC Standing Committee on Police Matters, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (retd.), said the commission initially observed disparities in state participation.
This prompted a two-week extension of the application deadline to boost awareness and encourage more candidates from low-turnout states.
Gender Breakdown and Recruitment Slots
Out of the total applicants, 442,592 were male, while 114,640 were female. Candidates applied under General Duty (348,974) and Specialist (85,630) categories.
The 434,604 qualified applicants will compete for 50,000 available positions, making the recruitment process highly competitive.
Screening Date and Drug Integrity Tests
Physical screening and credential verification are scheduled to begin on March 9, 2026. The PSC disclosed that comprehensive drug integrity tests will be conducted in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to ensure only candidates of sound health and integrity are admitted.
Successful candidates will undergo training at designated police colleges before deployment nationwide.
The PSC also introduced a whistle-blowing policy to promote transparency and uphold a merit-based recruitment process aligned with federal character principles.
