The Nigeria Police Force, Plateau State Command, has dismissed as “malicious and false” a report published by Sahara Reporters alleging irregularities in the recent promotion of officers within the Command.
In the report published on Friday, Sahara Reporters claimed that newly promoted Inspectors were asked to pay ₦10,000 for their decoration and that names of unqualified officers were smuggled into the promotion list.
Reacting in a statement on Saturday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Alfred Alabo, described the allegations as “false and damaging,” insisting that the Command neither demanded nor accepted any payment for promotions or decoration of officers.
“At no time did the Command request any promotee to make any financial contribution,” the statement said.
The Police spokesperson maintained that all promoted officers were selected strictly on merit and diligence.
He explained that the officers went through a rigorous and transparent Selection Board process and met all stipulated requirements before being promoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP II).
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, during his maiden meeting with management staff, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), sectional heads, and Heads of Department (HODs), warned against corrupt practices and vowed to deal decisively with any misconduct within the Command.
“The allegations are not true and do not reflect the true nature of the Plateau State Police Command. The Command prioritizes the welfare and professional growth of its officers and men, in line with the ethos and mandate of the Inspector-General of Police,” the statement added.
The Command further described the publication as an attempt to undermine the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force and create discord among officers. It urged members of the public to disregard the report and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability.
The Plateau Police Command also warned against the spread of false information and called on Sahara Reporters to issue a public apology and retract the publication.
