The NPF clarified that the responsibility for police salaries lies with the Federal Ministry of Finance, not the police force itself.

This clarification follows reports that a group of officers, identifying themselves as the Concerned Police Inspectors in Nigeria, visited the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday to voice their grievances over 11 months of unpaid salary arrears.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Force Public Relations Officer, Ademuyiwa Adejobi, dismissed these allegations as an attempt to tarnish the image of the police force. “The Nigeria Police Force is a well-structured and disciplined organization that adheres to established principles and professional standards,” the statement noted. “Any concerns raised by our personnel are addressed through proper channels and forwarded to the relevant authorities for resolution.”

The NPF expressed surprise at the reports from journalists in Akwa Ibom State, asserting that they were based on private conversations between officers and friends, which were misrepresented as a protest. The force emphasized that these complaints were unknown to police authorities. The NPF reiterated that officers should follow the correct procedures for addressing salary concerns and urged journalists to avoid spreading unverified information that could damage the police’s reputation.

“Additionally, it is important to clarify that neither the office of the Inspector-General of Police nor the Nigeria Police Force as a whole is responsible for salary disbursements,” the statement continued. “This responsibility falls under the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), managed by the Federal Ministry of Finance.” The statement further criticized the reports as troubling and accused the journalists of attempting to discredit the Police Force or the office of the Inspector-General of Police for reasons best known to them.

“It is vital to stress that any officer facing salary-related issues should report them to their box keeper or MSS Officer, who will coordinate with IPPIS desk officers for resolution,” the NPF added. “We are confident that no police officer, whether in Akwa Ibom State or elsewhere in the country, would protest over salary issues, knowing the appropriate channels for resolving such sensitive matters.”