Nigeria Police Ranks and Badge Symbols Descriptions – See full Hierarchy in Police work

Nigeria Police Force (NPF) Ranks and Badge Symbols Descriptions/Denotations – There has been lots of questions regarding the order of ranks in the Nigeria Police Force and how high a hardworking police officer can ascend in rank. We have therefore written this article to enlighten you on the order of ranks and organisation of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The structure of the Nigeria Police Force is clearly stated in section 214 (2)(a) and 215(2) of the 1999 Constitution. Section 214(2)(a) says:-

“Subject to the provisions of this constitution (a) the Nigeria Police shall be organised and Administered in accordance with such provisions as many be prescribed by an Act of the National Assembly”

While Section 215 (2) states:

“The Nigeria Police Force shall be under the Command of the Inspector-General of Police and any contingents of the Nigeria Police Force stationed in a state shall; subject to the authority of the Inspector-General of Police, be under the command of Commissioner of Police of that state”

It can be deduced from the above stated provisions that there are three distinct structures in the Police.

These structures include:-

• Command (Authority) Structure.
• Administration structure and
• Organisation structure

In the bid to ensure that the Police performs its assigned duties effectively, these three structures were crafted to meet the constitutional expectations.

In this article today, we will focus on the Command (Authority) Structure.

Nigeria Police Force Ranks and Badge Symbols Descriptions/Denotation

Below is a complete list of all ranks in the Police, in descending order:

The Inspector-General of Police(IGP): This is the highest rank in the Police. The Inspector General of Police is in charge of the Police Force. He controls the force to the lowest ranking officer through the chain of command in the Nigerian Police Force.

The Insignia/badge for the rank of Inspector General of Police is Nigeria’s coat of arms, two stars, and crossed tipstaves surrounded by a laurel wreath worn on the shoulder.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police(DIG): This is the second in command in the Nigeria Police Force and acts for the Inspector General of Police in his absence.

In Section 5 of the Police Act, it is stated that the number of DIGs in the Police Force is determined by the Nigeria Police Council. However, more room can be created if need be. Each Deputy Inspector-General of Police heads one of the departments in the Police Force.

The badge for the rank of Deputy Inspector-General of Police is Nigeria’s coat of arm, one star, and crossed tipstaves surrounded by a laurel wreath worn on the shoulder.

The Asst. Inspector-General of Police(AIG): This is the subordinate to the Deputy Inspector-General of Police. The state’s commissioner of police is ranked below the AIG. The AIG can also stand in as the Inspector-General in the absence of both the Inspector-General and Deputy Inspector-General.

According to the Police Act, there are rooms for more than one AIG. Some AIGs are in charge of Police Zonal Commands while some are in charge of Police Special Formations.

The symbol or insignia for the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police is Nigeria’s coat of arm, one bar, and crossed tipstaves surrounded by a laurel wreath worn on the shoulder.

Commissioner of Police(CP): He is in charge of the administration and command of the contingent of the Nigerian Police Force in a state. The states’ Commissioners of Police are appointed by the Inspector-General of Police and approved by the Police Service Commission.

He takes command directly from the Inspector-General of Police or anyone acting for the Inspector-General in his absence.

The symbol or insignia for the rank of Commissioner of Police is Nigeria’s coat of arms and crossed tipstaves surrounded by a laurel wreath worn on the shoulder.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police(DCP): In the State Police Command, he is the second highest ranking officer. He/she can stand in for the state Commissioner of Police in his absence.

The symbol or insignia for the rank of Deputy Commissioner Police is a star and crossed tipstaves surrounded by a laurel wreath worn on the shoulder.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police(ACP): He is a subordinate to the Deputy Commissioner of Police. He can also stand in as the Commissioner of Police in the absence of both the Commissioner of Police and Deputy Commissioner of Police.

The symbol or insignia for the rank of Inspector General of Police is the crossed tipstaves surrounded by a laurel wreath.

The Chief Superintendent of Police(CSP): This rank is given to the police officer in charge of a department of the police force command of a state.

The symbol or insignia/badge for the rank of Chief Superintendent of Police is the Nigerian coat of arms and a star.

The Superintendent of Police(Supol): He is an officer directly under the command of the CSP and assists the CSP. The symbol or insignia for the rank of Superintendent of Police is the Nigerian coat of arms.

The Deputy Superintendent of Police) DSP): The symbol or insignia for the The Deputy Superintendent of Police is three stars that are vertically arranged.

The Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP): The symbol or insignia for the rank of the Assistant Superintendent of Police are two stars that are vertically arranged.

Inspector of Police: He is an officer ranked below a Commissioner and Superintendent. An Inspector manages teams of sergeants and constables.

The ranks below this one are:

• Sergeant Major
• Sergeant
• Corporal
• Lance Corporal
• Constable
• Recruit

This is a complete guide for you to understand the ranking system in the Nigeria Police Force.

However, there are various requirements stipulated for anyone who wishes to join the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) at any rank. It is therefore important for you to know these requirements if you are interested in joining the Police as these requirements will give you the opportunity to prepare yourself for a successful career in the Nigeria Police Force.