by George Ozalla
The Police Service Commission has warned cyber cafés and recruitment agents against extorting money from applicants seeking to enlist into the Nigeria Police Force, following reports of illegal charges running into as much as N15,000.
The Commission said it had received complaints that some cyber cafés and intermediaries were demanding money from prospective applicants under the false claim that portions of the fees were being remitted to the Commission and other government agencies.
According to a press statement signed by the Head of Protocol and Public Affairs of the Commission, Torty Njoku Kalu, the PSC stressed that the recruitment application process into the Nigeria Police Force is entirely free and does not attract any form of payment at any stage.
The statement reiterated that applicants are not required to pay money to any individual or group, whether online or offline, to access or complete the recruitment process, and cautioned members of the public against dealing with third parties.
The Commission advised prospective applicants to personally access the official recruitment portal and submit their applications directly, without involving agents or cyber café operators who may take advantage of unsuspecting applicants.
It further warned that individuals found engaging in fraudulent activities related to the recruitment exercise would be prosecuted in line with the law, adding that applicants who encounter demands for payment should report such cases to the nearest police station or directly to the Police Service Commission through its designated contact channels.
The PSC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a transparent, merit-driven and accessible recruitment process for the Nigeria Police Force, while urging members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to scams.
