The Benue State Police Command yesterday disclosed that no fewer than 34,000 applicants are currently competing for 1,000 police recruitment slots in the State. This followed the Police Service Commission’s highlight of numerous opportunities in the Force, stressing that now is the best time to be a police personnel.
Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, who is a member of the Commission, spoke midweek while addressing journalists after visiting the Ogun State Police Command headquarters to monitor the ongoing nationwide recruitment exercise.
He encouraged Nigerian youth to apply for jobs within the police force as a viable and rewarding career, citing improved welfare, better salary structures, and opportunities for professional development.
“There are a lot of reforms going on in the force. This is the best time to be in the police. Those who are qualified will be given the opportunity.
“You can go for courses while in service and rise to become senior officers. It is an interesting and fulfilling job,” Lakanu added.
It’s a different kettle of fish in Benue State where the youths there don’t need to be cajoled into joining the Nigeria Police Force. Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Benue Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID), Musa Abdulraham, has disclosed how applicants have overwhelmed available openings.
Presenting a lecture at the Police Officers’ Mess in Makurdi, held as part of activities marking the 2026 Police Week, he stated that the large number of applicants – over 34,000 – shows the scarcity of job opportunities.
In the aper titled: “Prevention of Electoral Violence and Ballot Box Snatching,” he linked the high rate of unemployment among youths to their vulnerability to political manipulation and involvement in election-related violence. He pointed out that unemployment is pushing many idle youths into the hands of politicians who use them to perpetrate violence during elections
“For example, in the ongoing police recruitment, 34,000 applied in Benue State for only 1000 vacancies. If we give the 1000 jobs, what happens to the 33,000 left?” Abdulraham asked.
He warned that electoral violence remains a major threat to Nigeria’s democratic process, noting that the trend dates back to the 1964 federal regional elections which escalated in 1965.
“Violence can only mar elections, not make them. Once it starts, it can become uncontrollable and devastating,” he said.
The ACP described ballot box snatching and other forms of electoral malpractice as heinous crimes, stressing that elections, including the 2023 general polls, have witnessed various degrees of violence.
He called on the government at all levels to address unemployment through job creation, insisting that engaging youths productively would significantly reduce their involvement in electoral violence and strengthen the country’s electoral system.
