A growing number of police recruits undergoing training at the Bauchi Police College have come forward with disturbing allegations of extortion, claiming they were forced to pay ₦250,000 each for uniforms and boots—items traditionally provided free of charge by the Nigeria Police Force.
According to multiple testimonies from recruits who spoke under condition of anonymity, officials at the training facility allegedly demanded the payment as a prerequisite for receiving standard-issue gear. Those unable to pay reportedly faced threats of dismissal or were denied access to essential training materials.
“We were told that if we didn’t pay, we wouldn’t be issued uniforms or allowed to continue training. Some of us had to borrow money or sell personal belongings just to meet the demand,” one recruit stated.
The allegations have sparked outrage among civil society groups and human rights advocates, who are calling for an immediate investigation into the matter. The Centre for Accountability in Governance (CAG) issued a statement condemning the alleged extortion and urging the Inspector General of Police to intervene.
“This is not only unethical but illegal. These young Nigerians signed up to serve their country, not to be exploited by the very institution meant to uphold justice,” said CAG spokesperson, Amina Yusuf.
The Nigeria Police Force has yet to issue an official response, but sources within the Force Headquarters in Abuja indicated that internal inquiries may be underway.