\As the ongoing recruitment exercise for General Duty Constables into the Nigeria Police Force progresses, Kaduna State has emerged as the front runner in terms of the number of applications received. Within the first nine days, a total of 20,259 youths from Kaduna State have successfully completed their online applications, placing the state at the top of the list. On the other hand, Anambra State currently has the lowest number of applications, with only 541 received so far.
Following closely behind Kaduna State are Adamawa State with 18,933 applications, Borno State with 18,305, Bauchi State with 16,554, Katsina State with 16,232, and Kano State with 15,888.
Conversely, after Anambra State, the states with the fewest applications are Ebonyi with 737, Abia with 966, and Imo with 999. Bayelsa has 1,020 applications, Enugu has 1,036, Lagos has 1,259, Delta has 1,338, and Edo has 1,526.
Out of the total applicants, 242,391 are male, while only 35,405 are female.
Dr. Solomon Arase, the Chairman of the Commission and retired Inspector General of Police, expressed concern over the lack of interest among South East youths in pursuing a career in the Nigeria Police Force. He emphasised that the South East, currently facing challenges with non-state actors’ rebellion, should actively participate in the recruitment process to contribute indigenous solutions to these issues.
Dr. Arase called on the leadership of the zone to encourage and convince its youths to seize the opportunity provided by the ongoing recruitment.
Dr. Arase also highlighted that if the South East leaders choose to remain indifferent to the government’s generous decision to offer employment opportunities to Nigerian youths in the Police Force, it would be difficult for them to raise concerns about marginalisation. He urged the zone to utilise the remaining five weeks of the recruitment period to encourage their youths to join the force.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) Chairman’s remarks underscore the importance of active participation and collaboration among all regions in addressing security challenges and ensuring a well-represented police force in Nigeria.
