No fewer than 400,000 Nigerians have applied for the 50,000 police constable positions advertised nationwide, according to the Police Service Commission and the Nigeria Police Force.

The recruitment exercise has been extended by two weeks due to low application numbers from some states, including Lagos.

The PSC’s Head of Protocol and Public Affairs, Mr Torty Kalu, announced the extension in a statement issued on Monday.

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

Kalu stated that while over 400,000 applications have been received nationwide, there are significant disparities in participation across states.

States such as Adamawa, Benue, and Kaduna recorded high numbers of applicants, while Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, and Anambra recorded notably lower submissions.

“The PSC and NPF announce a two-week extension for the ongoing recruitment of 50,000 constables,” the statement said.

“This decision follows the receipt of over 400,000 applications and a review showing significant disparities in state participation. While some states like Adamawa, Benue and Kaduna have high application numbers, states such as Lagos, Ogun, Bayelsa, Ebonyi and Anambra have notably lower submissions.”

The extension is intended to ensure equitable representation across the country.

Kalu urged eligible Nigerians, especially those from states with low application figures, to apply through the official recruitment portal before the new deadline.

He also called on state governments, local government councils, sociocultural organisations, religious bodies, and community leaders to intensify mobilisation and sensitisation efforts.

“The extension aims to ensure equitable representation nationwide. All eligible Nigerians, particularly from the above-mentioned states with fewer applications, are strongly encouraged to apply via the official portal,” he said.

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