Nigeria Police Ranks, Symbol, Establishment And Duties.

Nigeria Police Ranks, Symbol, Establishment And Duties.

The Nigeria Police Force operates with a well-defined hierarchical structure that encompasses various ranks. As a law enforcement officer, individuals typically begin their career at an entry-level rank and progress through the ranks based on their professional experience and demonstrated performance.

Having a comprehensive understanding of the Nigeria Police ranks is crucial for individuals seeking to familiarise themselves with the organisational structure and hierarchical system of this essential national security force. The Nigeria Police Ranks, in ascending order are as follows:

Nigeria Police Ranks:

Police Recruit

A police recruit is someone who is in the process of becoming a member of the police force. It is technically not a rank in the police force because an individual here is only a trainee.

Constable

The lowest rank in the Nigerian Police Force is Constable. As a Constable, you are basically an entry-level police officer. Your main role is to patrol the streets, direct traffic, and respond to emergency calls from citizens.

Constables typically have a secondary school education and must complete police academy training. The salary for a Constable is relatively low; however, there are opportunities for career growth into higher ranks over time with good performance. Officers in this rank are identified by a badge bearing two red downward-pointing arrowheads.

Many Constables aspire to rise in rank to Sergeant, Inspector and beyond for increased pay, authority and responsibility. With dedicated service, Constables can build a long career advancing through the ranks of the Nigerian Police Force.

Corporal

The rank of Corporal in the Nigerian Police Force is one above Constable, the lowest rank. As a Corporal, you are in charge of a small squad of Constables, usually 3 to 5 officers. Your main role is to supervise them and delegate responsibilities while also handling some investigative work and paperwork yourself. Corporals typically have at least 5 years of experience in the force.

Officers in this rank are identified by a badge bearing two red downward-pointing arrowheads.

Sergeant

As a Sergeant in the Nigerian Police Force, you are a senior non-commissioned officer. You lead a squad of Constables and Corporals, delegating tasks and overseeing operations. This officer’s emblem consists of three red arrowheads pointing downwards. Sergeants are the first line of leadership and command in the Nigerian Police.

Sergeant Major (SM)

Sergeants Major (SM) are senior non-commissioned officers in the Nigerian Police Force. As an SM, you lead a group of Sergeants and are responsible for their performance and conduct. Duties include:

Supervising Sergeants and ensuring the quality of work
Disciplining officers when needed
Training and mentoring junior officers
Allocating duties and deploying personnel
Ensuring officers follow orders and regulations

The country’s coat of arms serves as the symbol for this rank.

Inspector of Police (IP)

Another rank in the Nigerian Police Force is the Inspector of Police, or Inspector for short. A police officer's daily tasks, such as those of a sergeant, corporal, or constable, are under your supervision as an inspector.

Making ensuring that customary police practises and guidelines are adhered to is your primary responsibility. In special operations and assignments, you can be tasked with managing a team or taking charge of activities at a single police station. In certain police units and divisions, inspectors may also hold the position of divisional chief. A trio of parallel bars designates a Principal Inspector.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)

A top officer rank in the Nigeria Police Force is the ASP. An area command, division, or department is under your supervision as an ASP. Managing less experienced police officers is part of the job.

Some of your key duties as an ASP include:

Supervising investigations
Monitoring law and order
Staff discipline and welfare
Allocating resources and personnel
Ensuring compliance with set targets

Two vertically aligned stars represent officers in the ASP rank.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)

As a DSP, you are in charge of a sizable team of assistant superintendents and inspectors. Coordinating and overseeing operations, making critical choices, and leading your teams are your primary responsibilities. Three stars arranged vertically serve as a representation of this rank.

Superintendent of Police (SP)

In the Nigerian Police Force, the Superintendent of Police (SP) oversees an area known as Area Commands as an SP. Managing all police operations and administration in your designated division is your primary responsibility.

With the enormous duties that come with this level, the pay is both competitive and appropriate. The badge of the rank is the Nigerian coat of arms.

Chief Superintendents of Police (CSP)

A high-ranking officer of the Nigerian Police Force is the Chief Superintendent of Police, or CSP for short. In addition to managing senior officials such as Assistant Superintendents, Deputy Superintendents, and Superintendents, CSPs are in charge of whole divisions. Officers must have at least 15 to 20 years of service in the force in order to be promoted to this level. The emblems for officers of this level are a star and the Nigerian coat of arms.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)

As an ACP, you answer directly to the Commissioner of Police or the DCP and manage subordinate officers. Some of your key responsibilities include:

Supervising Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, and Chief Superintendents.
Overseeing state police command administration.
Coordinating with zonal Commands and State Commands.
Ensuring discipline is maintained in the police force.
Handling sensitive cases and operations.

The ACP rank is denoted by a laurel wreath surrounded by crossed tipstaves.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)

A number of Assistant Commissioners and other lower-level officials are under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP). The primary responsibilities of a senior officer are administrative and supervisory in nature. DCPs are often located in Zonal or State Police Commands. Some of their responsibilities include:

Supervising Assistant Commissioners and other junior officers
Strategic planning and administration
Handling disciplinary issues and inter-agency cooperation

In the Nigerian Police Force, the DCP is a highly esteemed position. A wreath of laurel leaves worn on the shoulder encircles the star and crossed tipstaves that serve as the deputy commissioner of police's emblem.

Commissioner of Police (CP)

Among the highest ranked officers of the Nigerian Police Force is the Commissioner of Police (CP). All state-wide police operations and activities are under the CP's supervision as head of a state command. The Chief Police Officer appoints the Cybercrime Unit. The Nigerian coat of arms with crossed tipstaves surrounded by a wreath of laurel leaves resting on the shoulder serves as the Commissioner of Police's symbol.

Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG)

A very top rank in the Nigerian Police Force is Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG). Third place is what it is called. You supervise commissioners of police and their deputies as an AIG, managing state commands and zones. Most AIGs have been on the service for a long time and are highly experienced officers. A Nigerian coat of arms with one bar and crossed tipstaves surrounded by a laurel wreath worn on the shoulder serves as the Assistant Inspector General's insignia.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG)

One of the highest-ranking officer posts in the Nigerian Police Force is the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG). The Nigerian Police Force's second-highest rank is this one. A number of Assistant Inspectors General (AIGs) report directly to you as a DIG, and you are in charge of whole police commands. SIGs are promoted to DIG status by the Police Service Commission. Overseeing and arranging the actions of the AIGs under your command is your responsibility as a DIG. Additionally, you counsel and suggest changes to the Inspector General of Police on the management and operations of the police force.

A DIG receives hefty compensation and benefits. But the position also has a lot of responsibility and requires a lot of overtime. Although it is a challenging profession, there may be great rewards for the proper leader. With one star in place of two, the Deputy Inspector-General's rank symbol is comparable to the IGP's.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP)

The Nigerian Police Force is led by the Inspector-General of Police, or IGP. The IGP is in charge of managing the force and supervising all police activities as the highest senior police official. On the Nigeria Police Council's recommendation, the President appoints the IGP. You must have attained the level of Assistant Inspector-General and have at least 35 years of police service to be eligible for the position of Inspector General. The daily management of the police force is within the purview of the IGP. Managing police training, distributing resources, and upholding public order are among the responsibilities. The federal government receives advice on police and security issues from the IGP as well. The Inspector General emblem, which is often worn over the shoulder of the officer, is adorned with the nation's coat of arms, crossed tipstaves, two stars, and a laurel.

Thank you for reading this piece on the Nigeria Police ranks. I believe it has been useful! You can leave your comments in the comment section below. XOXO.

Also Read: 'Glo Offices near me' in Lagos, Nigeria.

Source: HR Forum Media