The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has denied reports of a protest by officers over 11 months of unpaid salary arrears, calling the allegations a deliberate attempt to discredit the force.
In a statement released on Saturday by Force Public Relations Officer, Ademuyiwa Adejobi, the NPF clarified that salary disbursements are managed by the Federal Ministry of Finance through the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), not the police.
Adejobi emphasized that the force is a structured and disciplined entity where grievances are channeled through appropriate authorities for resolution.
He condemned the reports of alleged protest from journalists in Akwa Ibom State, asserting that these stories were based on private conversations misrepresented as a protest.
The statement partly read, “It is important to emphasize that the Nigeria Police Force operates as a structured and disciplined entity, adhering to established principles and professional standards.
“Consequently, any grievances raised by members of the Force are constantly attended to and channeled to the right authorities for action.
“The force is taken aback by the referred publication from a group of journalists in Akwa Ibom State labeling private conversations with some police friends as protest, whereas such complaints are unknown to the police authority.”
The force reiterated that officers should address salary issues through proper channels and urged journalists to avoid publishing unverified stories that could damage the police’s reputation.
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“Furthermore, it is crystal clear that neither the office of the Inspector-General of Police nor the Nigeria Police Force is accountable and responsible for the salary disbursements; this responsibility lies with the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), under the Federal Ministry of Finance.
“The reports issued by these journalists are not only distressing but also targeted at tarnishing the reputation of the Police Force or the office of the Inspector-General of Police for reasons best known to them.
“It is, however, fundamental to reiterate that should any policeman have issues with his or her payment of salaries, he should take such up with his box keeper or MSS Officer who liaises with the IPPIS desk officers for rectification.
“We are convinced that no serving officer of the police in Akwa Ibom State or any part of the country would stage a protest on the non-payment of salary more so that our officers are aware of the process to address such sensitive matters,” the statement added.
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