The Police Service Commission (PSC) has issued a stern warning to police inspectors eligible for promotion, cautioning them against offering or collecting bribes ahead of the upcoming Departmental Selection Board (DSB) interviews.

The commission emphasized that the long-standing practice of financial inducement in the promotion process will no longer be tolerated.

According to a statement released by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations at the PSC, the interviews for promotion to the rank of unconfirmed Assistant Superintendents of Police are scheduled for May 19 and will be conducted across the 17 Police Zonal Command Headquarters in the country.

PSC Chairman, Hashimu Argungu, stated that the commission would deploy its personnel to supervise the exercise in collaboration with Nigeria Police Force officers.

He reiterated that the integrity of the process must be upheld, warning that any form of financial influence or unethical conduct would attract severe penalties.

Argungu acknowledged that past promotion exercises were often marred by candidates contributing money to sway officials’ decisions. He assured the public that the commission is determined to eliminate such practices and restore credibility to the promotion system within the police force.

The commission also made it clear that promotions would be strictly based on merit, performance during the interview, and the availability of vacancies.

Inspectors were advised to prepare thoroughly and face the panels with professionalism, rather than resort to underhanded tactics.

The PSC vowed to impose tough sanctions on any of its staff or police officers found engaging in corrupt practices during the promotion process. “We are setting a new standard, discipline, fairness, and accountability will now define how officers advance in their careers,” Argungu added.