Commissioned Police Salary Structure, Ranks, And Symbols: Nigeria's Paramilitary Command

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is a vital institution in maintaining law and order across the country, and its salary structure, ranks, and symbols reflect the organization’s complex hierarchy. As of 2024, the structure for commissioned officers, who are at the upper echelons of the NPF, is not only crucial for the officers themselves but also provides insights into the broader functioning and organization of the force.

Salary Structure

The salary structure for commissioned officers in the Nigerian Police Force is determined by rank, with higher-ranking officers earning significantly more than their subordinates. At the apex of the hierarchy is the Inspector General of Police (IGP), who earns a monthly salary of approximately ₦711,450. This is followed by the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) with a salary of around ₦546,573 per month. The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) earns approximately ₦499,752 monthly.

The mid-level ranks include the Commissioner of Police (CP), who earns about ₦302,970 per month, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), whose salary is approximately ₦278,853 monthly. The Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) earns ₦212,938 per month.

Lower-ranking commissioned officers, such as the Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) and Superintendent of Police (SP), earn ₦199,724 and ₦172,089 per month, respectively. The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) earns about ₦170,400, while the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) earns around ₦156,318 monthly.

It's important to note that these figures do not include allowances, which can significantly increase the overall take-home pay. Officers receive various allowances for housing, transportation, and uniforms, among others.

Ranks and Symbols

The ranks within the NPF are visually represented by distinct symbols worn on the uniform, which help in identifying the rank and authority of an officer.

• Inspector General of Police (IGP): The symbol for the IGP is a crown with a star in the center, encircled by a laurel wreath.

• Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG): This rank is symbolized by a star enclosed within a laurel wreath.

• Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG): The AIG rank is represented by two silver stars on a red background.

• Commissioner of Police (CP): The symbol for this rank is a three-pointed star.

• Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP): The DCP's insignia is a single star and crossed tipstaffs enclosed within a laurel wreath.

• Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP): This rank is denoted by two stars.

• Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP): The symbol is a star and the Nigerian coat of arms.

• Superintendent of Police (SP): This rank is symbolized by a pair of crossed swords with a laurel wreath between them.

• Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP): The DSP’s insignia includes two chevrons with a crown at the center.

• Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP): This rank is represented by two upright stars.

• Inspector: The symbol for an Inspector is a single star.

Conclusion

The salary structure and rank symbols within the Nigerian Police Force provide a structured way to manage the complex hierarchy within the organization. While the pay varies significantly by rank, with higher ranks commanding significantly higher salaries, the symbolic representation of these ranks also plays a crucial role in maintaining order and authority within the force. Understanding these elements is essential for anyone looking to join the NPF or for those interested in the workings of Nigeria's paramilitary structure.