Police Ranks in Nigeria

The command structure of the Nigerian Police Force is hierarchical, reflecting the regimental nature of the institution. It ensures that authority flows systematically from the top, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), down to the lowest rank. The ranks are structured to define clear roles and responsibilities, with corresponding powers.

Police ranks in Nigeria, from top to bottom:

  1. Inspector-General of Police (IGP)
  2. Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG)
  3. Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG)
  4. Commissioner of Police (CP)
  5. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)
  6. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)
  7. Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP)
  8. Superintendent of Police (SP)
  9. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
  10. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
  11. Inspector of Police (IP)
  12. Sergent Major (SM)
  13. Sergent
  14. Corporal
  15. Constable

Police ranks in Nigeria, from bottom to top:

  1. Constable
  2. Corporal
  3. Sergent
  4. Sergent Major (SM)
  5. Inspector of Police (IP)
  6. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
  7. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP)
  8. Superintendent of Police (SP)
  9. Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP)
  10. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)
  11. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP)
  12. Commissioner of Police (CP)
  13. Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG)
  14. Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG)
  15. Inspector-General of Police (IGP)

Symbols of police ranks in Nigeria:

  1. Inspector-General of Police (IGP): The highest-ranking officer, responsible for the entire police force. Commands the police nationwide.
  2. Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG): The second-in-command, assisting the IGP. Acts as IGP in the IGP’s absence.
  3. Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG): Assists the DIG and IGP. In charge of zonal commands and acts in the absence of both IGP and DIG.
  4. Commissioner of Police (CP): In charge of police contingents in a state or certain special units. Commands state-level operations and reports to the IGP.
  5. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP): Assists the Commissioner of Police in managing the affairs of a state or division.
  6. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP): Assists the DCP and supervises specific sections within the police command.
  7. Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP): Manages a police division or oversees major departments.
  8. Superintendent of Police (SP): Commands a police station or unit and reports to the CSP.
  9. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP): Supports the SP in station or unit management.
  10. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP): The entry-level commissioned officer rank, responsible for small units or sections.
  11. Inspector of Police: Non-commissioned officers responsible for managing Sergeants and lower ranks. Inspectors often lead smaller units or stations.
  12. Sergeant Major: Senior non-commissioned officer overseeing Sergeants and Corporals, focusing on discipline and field coordination.
  13. Sergeant: Non-commissioned officer responsible for field duties, supervising Corporals and Constables.
  14. Corporal: Assists the Sergeant, leading Constables in executing routine duties.
  15. Constable: The entry-level rank, performing basic police duties under supervision.

This structure ensures that every officer in the force has a clear role, and the command flows from the top rank to the lowest, maintaining order and discipline within the Nigerian Police Force.

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