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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is the primary law enforcement agency in Nigeria. The 1999 Constitution grants the NPF full authority across the country. Like many security agencies, the NPF has a clear rank structure, symbols, and command system.
Officers serve in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This guide provides a detailed look at the ranks, symbols, and duties of the Nigerian police.
Nigerian Police Structure
The NPF operates under three main structures:
- Administrative Structure – Divided into departments.
- Command Structure – Organized by ranks.
- Organizational Structure – Based on geography.
Administrative Departments
The NPF has eight departments, each with specific roles:
| No. | Department Name | Former Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Department of Finance and Administration | A Department |
| 2 | Department of Operations | B Department |
| 3 | Department of Logistics and Supply | C Department |
| 4 | Force Criminal Investigation Department | D Department |
| 5 | Department of Training and Development | E Department |
| 6 | Force Intelligence Department | New |
| 7 | Department of Research and Planning | F Department |
| 8 | Department of Information and Communication Technology | G Department |
Command Structure: Nigerian Police Ranks
The NPF follows a strict chain of command, from the Inspector-General at the top to the Constable at the lowest level. Officers wear badges to signify their rank.
Ranks in Order:
- Inspector-General of Police (IGP)
- Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIGP)
- Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIGP)
- Commissioner of Police (CP) – Heads a state command
- Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)
- Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)
- Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP)
- Superintendent of Police (SP)
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
- Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
- Inspector of Police
- Sergeant Major
- Sergeant
- Corporal
- Constable
Each rank has specific duties and symbols associated with it.
Inspector-General of Police (IGP)
- Heads the entire NPF.
- Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.
- Wears a badge with the national coat of arms, crossed tipstaffs, and two stars.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIGP)
- Second in command.
- Can act as IGP in his absence.
- Wears a badge similar to the IGP but with one star.
Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIGP)
- Supervises zonal operations.
- Wears a badge with the coat of arms, crossed tipstaffs, and a bar.
Commissioner of Police (CP)
- Heads a state command.
- Wears a badge with the coat of arms, crossed tipstaffs, and a laurel wreath.
Lower Ranks
- Sergeant Major: Highest non-commissioned officer. Wears a coat of arms symbol.
- Sergeant: Middle-ranked officer. Wears three downward arrowheads.
- Corporal: Two downward arrowheads.
- Constable: The lowest rank, marked by a single downward arrowhead.
Organizational Structure
The NPF operates through a system that aligns with Nigeria’s geopolitical divisions:
- Force Headquarters
- Zonal Headquarters
- State Commands Headquarters
- Divisional Police Headquarters
- Police Station
- Police Post
- Village Police Post
Nigerian Police Salaries
Here are the annual salaries of NPF officers:
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| Rank | Grade Level | Monthly Salary (₦) | Annual Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inspector General of Police | N/A | 711,498 | 8,537,976 |
| Deputy Inspector General of Police | N/A | 546,572.73 | 6,558,872.76 |
| Assistant Inspector General of Police | N/A | 499,751.87 | 5,997,022.44 |
| Commissioner of Police | Level 15 (06) | 302,970.47 | 3,635,645.64 |
| Commissioner of Police | Level 15 (1) | 266,777.79 | 3,201,333.48 |
| Deputy Commissioner of Police | Level 14 (07) | 278,852.79 | 3,346,233.48 |
| Deputy Commissioner of Police | Level 14 (1) | 242,715.65 | 2,912,587.80 |
| Assistant Commissioner of Police | Level 13 (10) | 212,938.96 | 2,555,257.92 |
| Assistant Commissioner of Police | Level 13 (1) | 183,185.73 | 2,198,228.76 |
| Chief Superintendent of Police | Level 12 (08) | 199,723.96 | 2,396,687.52 |
| Chief Superintendent of Police | Level 12 (1) | 172,089.06 | 2,065,068.72 |
| Superintendent of Police | Level 11 (10) | 187,616 | 2,251,400.28 |
| Superintendent of Police | Level 11 (1) | 161,478.29 | 1,937,739.49 |
| Deputy Superintendent of Police | Level 10 (10) | 170,399.69 | 2,044,796.28 |
| Deputy Superintendent of Police | Level 10 (1) | 148,733.29 | 1,784,799.48 |
| Assistant Superintendent of Police | Level 09 (10) | 156,318.39 | 1,875,820.68 |
| Assistant Superintendent of Police | Level 09 (1) | 136,616.06 | 1,639,392.72 |
| Assistant Superintendent of Police | Level 08 (10) | 144,152.07 | 1,729,824.84 |
| Assistant Superintendent of Police | Level 08 (1) | 127,604.68 | 1,531,256.16 |
| Cadet Inspector | Level 07 (10) | 87,135.70 | 1,045,628.40 |
| Cadet Inspector | Level 07 (1) | 73,231.51 | 878,778.12 |
| Sergeant Major | Level 06 (10) | 62,204.88 | 746,458.56 |
| Sergeant Major | Level 06 (1) | 55,144.81 | 661,737.72 |
| Police Sergeant | Level 05 (10) | 55,973.84 | 671,686.08 |
| Police Sergeant | Level 05 (1) | 48,540.88 | 582,490.56 |
| Police Corporal | Level 04 (10) | 51,113.59 | 613,363.08 |
| Police Corporal | Level 04 (1) | 44,715.53 | 536,586.36 |
| Police Constable | Level 10 | 49,113.59 | 613,363.08 |
| Police Constable | Level 03 | 43,293.83 | 519,525.60 |
| Police Recruit | N/A | 9,019.42 | 108,233.04 |
Comparison of Police and Military Ranks
Some police ranks have equivalents in the military:
- Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) = Colonel (Col)
- Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) = Brigadier General (Brig Gen)
- Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) = Major General (Maj Gen)
- Commissioner of Police (CP) = Lieutenant General (Lt Gen)
Common Questions
What is the lowest police rank?
A Constable is the lowest-ranked officer in Nigeria.
How much does an ASP earn in Nigeria?
The Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) earns between ₦1,531,256.16 and ₦1,875,820.68 annually, depending on grade level and step.
How do officers get promoted in the Nigerian Police?
Promotions are based on years of service, performance, and training.
What are the requirements to join the Nigerian Police?
Applicants must be Nigerian citizens, meet age and education requirements, and pass physical and written tests.
Can Nigerian police officers work abroad?
Yes, officers can be assigned to international peacekeeping missions.
Are Nigerian police allowed to carry firearms?
Yes, officers are issued firearms as part of their duties.
The Nigerian Police Force follows a structured rank system that ensures order and efficiency. Officers typically start at lower ranks and work their way up over time.
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