Nigerian Police Force Ranks and Symbols

No matter if the organization is privately or publicly held, ranks are significant and typical. Due to the lack of an organizational structure, no organization can function effectively concerning the rules and laws that govern it.

Our focus will be on the Nigerian Police Force, and we’ll examine its organizational structure or the positions held by the group that works to uphold the law and order in the nation. We shall also describe the symbols for the aforementioned ranks in addition.

Also, check out The Nigerian Police Force Salary.

Nigerian Police Force 

The primary law enforcement body in Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), is in charge of upholding public order, preventing and identifying crime, and defending people and property nationwide.

The Nigeria Police Act, which governs the NPF, places it under the control of the Inspector-General of Police. The head office of the NPF is in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. 

History of NPF 

The Nigeria Police Force has a long and illustrious history dating back to colonial times. The British colonial authority developed the first kind of policing in Nigeria in 1861.

The police force has undergone various changes and expansions over the years, and its responsibilities have expanded to encompass the maintenance of peace, the protection of life and property, and the discovery and prevention of crime.

The NPF grew and evolved throughout the post-independence era, playing an important role in keeping order during the country’s historical and social turmoil, including many coups and civil wars.

The NPF undertook a series of changes in the 1990s and 2000s aimed at upgrading and modernizing the organization, along with the adoption of new training programs, gear, and technologies.

The Nigeria Police Force is still an important part of the nation’s system of security, responsible for preserving law and order, safeguarding civilians, and assuring the nation’s economic safety and security. Despite persistent obstacles, the NPF continues to grow and adapt to suit Nigeria’s and its people’s evolving requirements.

Why Ranks is important in the Police Force 

We have ranks in the Nigerian Police Force because of the following 

• Higher-ranking officers supervise the work of lower-ranking officers and have more decision-making authority.
• Within the NPF, an officer’s level of responsibility is likewise determined by rank. Higher-ranking executives are in charge of more demanding tasks and play a larger role in shaping the organization’s direction.
• The NPF encourages accountability by holding higher-ranking officials accountable for the actions of their subordinates.
• Because progression to higher positions within the NPF is based on merit and performance, rank is also important for career growth.

Also, check out Nigerian Customs Service Ranks.

Nigeria Police Force Ranks 

In a hierarchical order (from the highest ranks to the lowest ranks) the Nigerian Police Force includes the following

• Inspector General of Police (IGP)
• Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG)
• Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG)
• Commissioner of Police (CP)
• Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)
• Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)
• Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP)
• Superintendent of Police (SP)
• Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
• Inspector of Police (IP)
• Sergeant Major
• Sergeant
• Corporal
• Lance Corporal
• Constable

Inspector General of Police 

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) is the highest-ranking officer in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). The effective running of the NPF is the mandate of the IGP. Also, the IGP leads the NPF to promote and ensure that the national security of the country is not threatened. 

The President of Nigeria appoints the selected individuals for the position. The Police Service Commission is in charge of shortlisting outstanding and qualified candidates for the position of President.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Rank Symbol 

The rank symbol for the Inspector General of Police (IGP) in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is a national emblem (eagle) above a crossed baton and sword, both in gold color and on a black background.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) 

The Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) is the rank immediately after the highest rank which is the IGP. The DIG is responsible for overseeing the operations of the police force in specific regions or zones and provides support to the IGP in the administration and management of the police force. 

Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Rank Symbol 

The rank symbol for a Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in the Nigeria Police Force is typically represented by three (3) stars arranged in a triangular formation. 

Assistant Inspector General of Police 

The next rank after the DIG is the Assistant Inspector General known as AIG for short. The AIG is responsible for overseeing the operations of the police force in specific states or regions and works to support the DIG and Inspector General of Police (IGP) in the administration and management of the police force. 

Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Rank Symbol 

The rank symbol for an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in the Nigeria Police Force is typically represented by two (2) stars arranged in a triangular formation. 

Commissioner of Police 

The Commissioner of Police (CP) is a senior police officer in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), responsible for overseeing the administration, management, and operations of a state or federal police command.

The Commissioner of Police is under the jurisdiction of the Inspector General of Police. Public safety, order, and the enforcement of the law are the responsibility of the CP.

Commissioner of Police Rank Symbol 

The rank symbol for the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is typically represented by three (3) stars, arranged in a triangular formation. 

The Deputy Commissioner of Police 

The Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) is a senior rank in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), serving as the second-in-command of a state or federal police command.

They assist the Commissioner of Police (CP) in overseeing the administration, management, and operations of the police command and may assume the responsibilities of the CP when delegated and when they are not available.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police Rank Symbol

The rank symbol for a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is typically a three-star symbol.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police 

The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is a senior rank directly after the rank of the commissioner of the police force of Nigeria.

Besides overseeing police operations, they also manage officers and personnel within their jurisdiction and implement policies and procedures. Their work is closely coordinated with that of the DCP and CP in their jurisdiction. 

Rank Symbol 

The rank symbol for an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in Nigeria is typically two stars

Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP)

Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) is one of the high ranks in NPF and their main responsibilities are majorly focused on running the activities of the police officers under their command. 

Rank Symbol 

The rank symbol for a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is typically one star.

Superintendent of Police (SP)

The Superintendent of Police (SP) is a senior rank in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). SPs are responsible for controlling and managing the sub-divisional Officers of their jurisdiction. 

Rank Symbol 

The rank symbol for a Superintendent of Police (SP) in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is typically a single pip, which is worn on the uniform. 

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) is a rank in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). ASPs are responsible for overseeing police operations, managing personnel and officers, and implementing policies and procedures within their jurisdiction. 

Rank Symbol 

The rank symbol for an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is typically two pips,

Inspector of Police 

Inspector of Police is another rank in the police force They lead investigations, direct patrols, and manage other police activities. Furthermore, they manage and supervise lower-ranking officers, including assigning duties, providing training and guidance, and evaluating performance.

Ranks Symbol 

The rank symbol for an Inspector of Police in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is typically a single-pip

Sergeant Major 

Sergeant Major is a senior non-commissioned rank in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). Also, Sergeant Majors are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a police unit and managing personnel.

Rank Symbol 

The rank symbol for a Sergeant Major in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is typically three stripes, which are worn on the uniform. 

Sergeant

Sergeant is a rank in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). Sergeants are responsible for supervising and managing lower-ranking officers and ensuring that police operations are carried out effectively.

Sergeant Rank Symbol 

The rank symbol for a Sergeant in the Nigeria Police Force is typically a pair of downward pointing chevrons, or “V” shapes, worn on the uniform sleeves. 

Corporal

Corporal is a rank in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). Corporals are responsible for supervising and managing police personnel and ensuring that police operations are carried out effectively. They take control of the activities of the police officers under their supervision. 

Corporal Rank Symbol 

The rank symbol for a Corporal in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is typically two stripes, which are worn on the uniform.

Corporal Lance Rank Symbol 

The rank symbol for a Lance Corporal in the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is typically one stripe

Constable 

A Constable is a junior rank in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and is typically responsible for performing a variety of routine policing tasks and duties Some of their duties include traffic control, conducting an arrest, and community policing

Constable Rank Symbol 

The rank symbol for a Constable in the Nigeria Police Force is typically a single downward pointing chevron, or “V” shape, worn on the uniform sleeves.

Final Notes on Nigeria Police Force Ranks and Symbols

Every organization has a hierarchy, and this is crucial to the smooth operation of the business. One of the crucial components in ensuring the country’s public safety and national security is the Nigeria Police Force.

In this post, we talked about the ranks in the Nigerian police force, giving a quick overview of what each level entails and explaining how to recognize the ranks by their emblems.