Do you want to know the ranks and salary structure of the Nigeria Police Force? If yes, keep reading.
Many Nigerians interested in joining the Nigeria Police Force often want to understand the ranking system and potential earnings. The Nigeria Police salary is competitive compared to other paramilitary forces, making it an attractive career option.
Before diving into ranks and salaries, let’s briefly look at the history of the Nigeria Police Force.
History of the Nigeria Police Force
The Nigeria Police Force was first established in 1820. In 1879, a 1,200-member armed paramilitary Hausa Constabulary was formed. Later in 1896, the Lagos Police was established, and the Niger Coast Constabulary was formed in Calabar in 1894. In Northern Nigeria, the Royal Niger Company set up the Royal Niger Company Constabulary in 1888.
When Northern and Southern Nigeria were officially proclaimed, part of the Royal Niger Company Constabulary became Northern Nigeria Police, while part of the Niger Coast Constabulary became Southern Nigeria Police.
Duties of the Nigeria Police Force
According to Section 4 of the Police Acts and Regulations, the main duties include:
-
Prevention and detection of crime
-
Apprehension of offenders
-
Preservation of law and order
-
Protection of life and property
-
Enforcement of laws and regulations
-
Performing military duties within and outside Nigeria as required
Nigeria Police Ranks and Entry Levels
The rank assigned to a newly recruited officer depends on their educational qualifications:
SSCE: Recruited as Police Constable
National Diploma (ND/NCE): Recruited as Police Corporal
Higher National Diploma (HND): Recruited as Sergeant Major
Degree (B.Sc): Recruited as Sergeant Major
Full Nigeria Police Ranks:
-
Inspector General of Police
-
Deputy Inspector General of Police
-
Assistant Inspector General of Police
-
Commissioner of Police
-
Deputy Commissioner of Police
-
Assistant Commissioner of Police
-
Chief Superintendent of Police
-
Superintendent of Police
-
Deputy Superintendent of Police
-
Assistant Superintendent of Police
-
Inspector of Police
-
Sergeant Major
-
Sergeant
-
Corporal
-
Constable
Nigeria Police Salary Structure
The monthly and annual salary of police officers varies depending on rank and grade level:
| S/No | Rank | Monthly Salary (₦) | Annual Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Police Recruit | 9,019.42 | 108,233.0 |
| 2a | Police Constable Grade Level 03 | 43,293.83 | 519,525.6 |
| 2b | Police Constable Grade Level 10 | 49,113.59 | 613,363.0 |
| 3a | Police Corporal Grade Level 04 (1) | 44,715.53 | 536,586.3 |
| 3b | Police Corporal Grade Level 04 (10) | 51,113.59 | 613,363.08 |
| 4a | Police Sergeant Grade Level 05 (1) | 48,540.88 | 582,490.56 |
| 4b | Police Sergeant Grade Level 05 (10) | 55,973.84 | 671,686.08 |
| 5a | Sergeant Major Grade Level 06 (1) | 55,144.81 | 661,737.72 |
| 5b | Sergeant Major Grade Level 06 (10) | 62,204.88 | 746,458.56 |
| 6a | Cadet Inspector Grade Level 07 (1) | 73,231.51 | 878,778.12 |
| 6b | Cadet Inspector Grade Level 07 (10) | 87,135.70 | 1,045,628.40 |
| 7a | Assistant Superintendent of Police Grade Level 08 (1) | 127,604.68 | 1,531,256.16 |
| 7b | Assistant Superintendent of Police Grade Level 08 (10) | 144,152.07 | 1,729,824.84 |
| 15 | Assistant Inspector General of Police | 499,751.87 | 5,997,022.44 |
| 16 | Deputy Inspector General of Police | 546,572.73 | 6,558,872.76 |
| 17 | Inspector General of Police | 711,498 | 8,537,976 |
Note: The table above highlights only selected ranks for brevity. Salaries increase progressively with promotions.
Conclusion
The Nigeria Police Force offers a structured career path with attractive salaries. If you aspire to join the police, this is a lucrative and honorable career. Keep updated with official recruitment announcements to apply successfully.
FAQs
What rank does a new recruit with SSCE start in the Nigeria Police?
A new recruit with SSCE will start at the Police Constable rank.
How much does a newly recruited Police Sergeant earn monthly?
A Police Sergeant on Grade Level 05 (1) earns approximately ₦48,540.88 per month.
What is the highest rank in the Nigeria Police Force?
The highest rank is Inspector General of Police (IGP).
Are Nigeria Police salaries higher than other paramilitary forces?
Yes, Nigeria Police salaries are competitive and often higher than several other paramilitary organizations in Nigeria.
Also Read: Borno State Scholarship: How to Apply


