The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has dismissed allegations of favouritism and irregularities in the Nigeria Police Force’s recent promotion exercise, maintaining that all elevations were carried out strictly on the basis of merit, transparency, and established procedures.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Force Headquarters in Abuja during the decoration of newly promoted senior officers, the Police Chief described the accusations as the handiwork of mischief-makers bent on discrediting the integrity of the Force.

“Recent months have witnessed attempts by certain individuals to cast shadows on the credibility of our promotion process, particularly the accelerated promotion exercise conducted a few months ago,” Egbetokun said. “But truth stands taller than rumours. The Nigeria Police Force has nothing to hide and nothing to defend.”

He emphasised that the promotion system under his leadership rewards diligence, professionalism, and proven competence, not tribalism or nepotism.

“There is no place for favouritism or tribal sentiment in the Nigeria Police Force. Promotions are guided solely by competence, performance, and discipline. This remains the cornerstone of our career management philosophy,” he affirmed.

Egbetokun, who decorated newly promoted Deputy Inspectors-General, Assistant Inspectors-General, and Commissioners of Police, said the ceremony symbolised integrity and excellence within the institution. He urged the officers to view their new ranks not as privileges, but as platforms for greater responsibility.

“Every insignia worn at this level must represent not privilege, but purpose — a reminder that authority is meaningful only when it uplifts the institution and strengthens public trust,” he charged.

The IG also encouraged the officers to adopt community and intelligence-led policing approaches to combat modern criminal trends driven by technology and globalization.

Egbetokun commended President Bola Tinubu for his continued support for police reforms and the Police Service Commission for ensuring transparency in the promotion process.

It would be recalled that on October 17, the Police Service Commission approved the promotion of CP Abibo Reuben to Assistant Inspector-General of Police, alongside 11 Deputy Commissioners elevated to the rank of Commissioner of Police, among others.