The Police Service Commission (PSC) has extended the application deadline for the recruitment of 50,000 constables by two weeks, following an overwhelming response that has seen over 400,000 Nigerians apply for the positions.
The commission’s spokesman, Torty Njoku, announced that the new closing date for submissions is February 8, 2026, pushing back the original deadline to accommodate more applicants and address regional disparities in participation.
The recruitment portal, which opened on December 15, 2025, has attracted massive interest, reflecting the intense competition for formal employment opportunities in Nigeria’s challenging economic climate. The figures translate to roughly eight applicants competing for every available position.
However, a review by the PSC and Nigeria Police Force (NPF) revealed significant imbalances in application rates across the country’s 36 states. While states such as Adamawa, Benue, and Kaduna have recorded high numbers of applicants, participation from Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, and Anambra has been notably lower.
The commission said the extension is designed to ensure equitable geographical representation in the police force, a key consideration in maintaining national character within federal institutions.
“The move aims to ensure equitable representation nationwide,” Njoku stated, urging eligible Nigerians, particularly from underrepresented states, to take advantage of the extended window.
The PSC emphasized that interested candidates from states with lower application numbers should apply through the official recruitment portal before the new deadline.
The recruitment drive is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s police force amid security challenges across various regions of the country. The addition of 50,000 new constables represents one of the largest single intakes in recent years.
Applicants are advised to ensure they meet all eligibility requirements and submit their applications through the designated official channels to avoid falling victim to fraudulent recruitment schemes.
