Nigerians have come hard on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) led by Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun, after the force openly celebrated the sharing of uniforms to officers. Many described it as embarrassing that in 2025, uniforms — something so basic — is being showcased as an achievement.
According to critics, police officers in other countries get uniforms, modern equipment, healthcare, and training as standard without turning it into a “big announcement.” Nigerians felt this only exposed how poor the welfare system for the force has become.
The matter grew worse just a day later when recruits at the Police Training School in Bauchi claimed they were being asked to pay as much as N250,000 for uniforms, boots, and kits that should normally be given to them free of charge.
On social media, the outrage was massive. Many accused the leadership of the police of “weaponizing poverty” and focusing on the wrong things instead of proper reforms. Some argued that celebrating uniforms shows how much officers have been neglected.
For instance, one user, Pastor John, said: “This is a huge embarrassment. Uniforms that should be issued yearly have now become a thing of celebration. It only shows how much officers are suffering to get even the most basic things.”
Another Nigerian, Joseph Joshua, compared the situation with developed countries like Canada, the U.K., and Germany where uniforms, healthcare, and welfare are never in doubt. He said: “Taking care of officers is the foundation of professionalism. But here in Nigeria, we are busy clapping for uniforms.”
Some Nigerians expressed shame that in 2025, the police still make headlines for something this ordinary. “This is shameful. Una no get shame?!” one user wrote angrily. Others mocked the NPF, saying it was like asking a teacher to celebrate because the school gave them textbooks.
Meanwhile, the recruits in Bauchi insist they are being forced to pay for multiple uniforms because the ones given are poor quality. Some said they had to depend on family or well-wishers for money to avoid being kicked out of training. A legal practitioner, Barrister Lawal Ishaq, even raised alarm after a woman begged him for financial help, saying her son at the training school was asked to bring N250,000 for uniforms and boots.
Police authorities in Bauchi, however, denied the allegations, insisting no one is being extorted. But many Nigerians fear that burdening recruits financially could push them into corruption once they start work.
