The Nigeria Police Force has raised concerns over a rising trend of lobbying and unofficial promotion requests directed at the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission.

It, therefore, cautioned officers against attempting to influence the promotion process through unofficial means, warning that such behaviour was unethical and could attract disciplinary sanctions.

The warning was handed down in a statement on Thursday by the Force Spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi.

Some officers were recently given accelerated promotions as a result of distinguished service and having met the criteria for such recognition.

Warning officers against lobbying, Adejobi said anyone caught would be dealt with under the extant laws and regulations.

“Furthermore, officers are strongly cautioned against lobbying or attempting to influence the promotion process through unofficial means.

“Such conduct is unethical, undermines the principles of meritocracy and professionalism, and will attract severe disciplinary action in accordance with extant laws and regulations,” he said.

Adejobi attributed the development of intense lobbying to misinformation reportedly spread by certain media platforms

He noted that the recent promotions were not arbitrary but part of a structured reward system designed to acknowledge officers who had shown exceptional performance, bravery, and dedication to duty.

He said, “The Nigeria Police Force has observed with concern the growing wave of lobbying and unofficial requests directed at the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission by certain officers seeking special promotions.

“This surge was triggered by the misinformation being spread by certain media platforms, following the recent approval of accelerated promotions for a number of deserving officers who have distinguished themselves through exemplary service.”

Adejobi noted that the process followed established guidelines and should not be misconstrued as a blanket special promotion scheme.

He said, “?The Force wishes to categorically state that these accelerated promotions were not arbitrary but were part of a well-structured reward system, set up by the police leadership, aimed at recognising officers who have demonstrated outstanding performance, uncommon bravery, professional excellence, and commitment to duty and the officers who benefitted were those who met the standardised guidelines for such accelerated promotion.

“The recent exercise does not signify the commencement of a general or indiscriminate special promotion scheme.”

Reacting to reports by an unnamed online platform alleging arbitrary promotions within the Force, Adejobi described such claims as false and aimed at discrediting the integrity of its promotion process.(PUNCH)