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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Npf (Police) Ranks & Symbols: Official Hierarchy
Ever seen a police officer’s shoulder badge and wondered what it meant? You’re not alone. The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) operates on a strict rank structure, and each rank is represented by a distinct symbol or insignia that reflects authority, responsibility, and level of service.
Whether you're a student, aspiring officer, or just curious, this guide breaks down the official hierarchy of the NPF, including ranks, symbols, and what each role means—from the lowest Constable to the highest Inspector-General of Police.
NPF Ranks and Symbols (2025 Official Hierarchy)
The Nigeria Police Force is broadly divided into two ranking categories:
- Commissioned Officers
- Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)
Let’s look at both sections with their rank symbols and roles.
A. Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs)
|
Rank |
Symbol |
Description |
|
Police Recruit |
None |
Undergoing training, not yet fully inducted. |
|
Constable II |
One stripe (chevron) |
Entry-level officer. Performs patrol and field tasks. |
|
Constable I |
One bold stripe |
Promoted from Constable II. Slightly more duties. |
|
Corporal |
Two chevrons |
Supervises junior constables. |
|
Sergeant |
Three chevrons |
Mid-level field supervisor. |
|
Sergeant Major |
Wreath around chevrons |
Senior-most NCO, reports to Inspector. |
B. Commissioned Officers
|
Rank |
Symbol |
Role/Responsibility |
|
Cadet Inspector |
One silver star |
Officer-in-training at Police Academy. |
|
Assistant Superintendent II |
One silver star |
Entry-level officer rank. Oversees small units. |
|
Assistant Superintendent I |
Two silver stars |
Senior to ASP II. Performs leadership duties. |
|
Deputy Superintendent |
Three silver stars |
Assists SP in managing divisions. |
|
Superintendent |
One silver eagle |
Heads a station or major department. |
|
Chief Superintendent |
One eagle + one star |
Oversees major command posts or zones. |
|
Assistant Commissioner |
One eagle + two stars |
Manages tactical or special operations. |
|
Deputy Commissioner |
One eagle + three stars |
Commands a full police department. |
|
Commissioner of Police |
One laurel + crossed baton/sword |
State-level police boss. |
|
Assistant Inspector-General |
Two laurel branches + sword/baton |
Zonal commands, supervises multiple states. |
|
Deputy Inspector-General |
Three laurel branches + sword/baton |
National operational boss under the IGP. |
|
Inspector-General of Police |
Nigeria Coat of Arms + crossed sword/baton |
Highest police rank. Heads the entire NPF. |
Summary Table of NPF Rank Structure
|
Category |
Ranks |
|
Non-Commissioned (NCOs) |
Police Recruit, Constable II, Constable I, Corporal, Sergeant, Sergeant Major |
|
Commissioned Officers |
Cadet Inspector, ASP II, ASP I, DSP, SP, CSP, ACP, DCP, CP, AIG, DIG, IGP |
Key Things to Know
- Insignias are mostly worn on the shoulder epaulets of uniforms.
- Rank promotion is based on years of service, performance, and exams.
- Senior ranks (from ASP upward) are responsible for administrative and operational leadership.
- Junior ranks handle patrol, law enforcement, and grassroots policing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the highest police rank in Nigeria?
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) is the highest rank and overall head of the NPF nationwide.
Q2: What rank comes after Sergeant?
After Sergeant, the next rank is Sergeant Major, followed by promotion to Cadet Inspector, which moves into officer territory.
Q3: What is the difference between ASP I and ASP II?
ASP II is the entry-level officer after cadet training. After gaining experience, promotion is made to ASP I.
Q4: Who wears the Nigeria coat of arms as an insignia?
Only the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) wears the national coat of arms, symbolizing authority over the entire force.
Q5: How are promotions determined in NPF?
Promotions depend on years of service, qualifications, performance, and successful completion of promotion exams or interviews.
Conclusion
Understanding the ranks and symbols of the Nigeria Police Force is essential not just for those in service, but for every Nigerian citizen. These insignias are more than decorative—they represent years of service, levels of authority, and the organizational structure that keeps the police force functioning smoothly.
From the recruit just entering training school to the Inspector-General running national operations, every badge tells a story. If you're thinking of joining or just want to understand the hierarchy better, we hope this guide clarified it all for you.
