May 30 (THEWILL) — The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has approved the promotion of 17,952 junior police officers nationwide, while warning that the Force will not tolerate any form of reprisal attacks or breakdown of law and order over reported xenophobic violence against Nigerians in South Africa.
The twin development, announced on Saturday, reflects both an internal welfare drive within the Nigeria Police Force and heightened national security concerns over potential spillover tensions linked to the reported attacks.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the promotion exercise cuts across all Commands and Formations nationwide and is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen morale, reward diligence, and improve operational efficiency within the Force.
Under the exercise, 165 Sergeants were elevated to the rank of Inspector, 73 Corporals were promoted to Sergeant, while 17,714 Constables were advanced to Corporal, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 17,952 junior officers.
The police leadership described the mass promotion as a deliberate investment in human capital development, stressing that career progression remains central to sustaining discipline, professionalism, and effectiveness in policing operations across the country.
IGP Disu said timely promotion remains a key component of the Force’s human resource strategy, noting that it serves as motivation for officers tasked with maintaining internal security and protecting lives and property.
He congratulated the newly promoted officers and urged them to view their elevation as a call to higher responsibility, discipline, and commitment to constitutional duties.
He further charged them to uphold professionalism, respect for human rights, and strict adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of their duties.
“The promotion reflects our commitment to merit, institutional growth, and the continuous strengthening of the Nigeria Police Force in line with global best practices,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force has issued a strong warning against any form of reprisal attacks in Nigeria over reported xenophobic incidents targeting Nigerians in South Africa.
The force said the situation had been reviewed at a Joint Intelligence Board meeting held on 18 May 2026, chaired by the National Security Adviser, where security agencies assessed possible implications and coordinated response measures.
Following the review, the police assured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm, noting that the Federal Government is engaging relevant diplomatic and security channels to address the situation and protect Nigerian citizens abroad.
The force cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, warning that any act of violence, intimidation, destruction of property, or hate speech capable of escalating tensions would be met with firm legal consequences.
It stressed that Nigeria remains governed by the rule of law, adding that all persons residing within its territory, regardless of nationality, are entitled to protection under the law.
According to the statement, any attempt to target South African nationals, businesses, diplomatic missions, or related interests within Nigeria would be treated as a criminal offence and dealt with decisively.
The police also urged citizens to avoid spreading unverified or inflammatory information, particularly on social media, warning that misinformation could worsen tensions and undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts.
It added that it has intensified security deployments and surveillance around critical national infrastructure, foreign missions, and other sensitive locations nationwide to prevent any breach of public peace.
It is assured that adequate operational measures have been activated to maintain law and order and ensure the safety of all residents within the country.
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