The Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have extended the ongoing recruitment of 50,000 police constables by two weeks following low application numbers from some states, including Lagos.

The extension comes in response to disparities in applications across the states, despite strong nationwide interest in the exercise.

President Bola Tinubu had, on November 26, 2025, declared a nationwide security emergency and directed the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with the Armed Forces, to recruit additional personnel to address rising insecurity across the country.

The recruitment portal, which opened on December 15, 2025, was originally scheduled to close on January 25, 2026. However, it will now remain open until February 8, 2026.

In a statement issued on Monday, the PSC’s Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Mr. Torty Kalu, said the decision followed the receipt of over 400,000 applications nationwide, alongside a review that revealed significant disparities in state participation.

According to him, states such as Adamawa, Benue and Kaduna recorded high numbers of applicants, while Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Ebonyi and Anambra posted comparatively low figures.

“The PSC and NPF announce a two-week extension for the ongoing recruitment of 50,000 constables. This decision follows the receipt of over 400,000 applications and a review showing significant disparities in state participation,” the statement read.

“While some states like Adamawa, Benue and Kaduna have high application numbers, others such as Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Ebonyi and Anambra have notably lower submissions.”

Kalu explained that the extension was aimed at ensuring equitable representation across the country, urging eligible Nigerians, especially those from states with low application figures, to take advantage of the extended window and apply through the official recruitment portal.

He also called on state governments, local government councils, sociocultural organisations, religious bodies, community leaders and other stakeholders to intensify mobilisation and sensitisation efforts within their jurisdictions ahead of the new deadline.

“The extension aims to ensure equitable representation nationwide. All eligible Nigerians, particularly from the states with fewer applications, are strongly encouraged to apply before the new deadline,” he said.