The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed a purported shortlist of candidates for medical examinations in the ongoing Nigeria Police Force recruitment exercise, describing it as fake and misleading.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission said it had become aware of a document circulating on social media claiming to contain the names of successful applicants scheduled for medical screening.
According to the PSC, no such shortlist has been released.
“The attention of the Police Service Commission has been drawn to a fake list currently circulating on social media, purporting to be a shortlist of candidates scheduled for medical examination.”
The clarification comes amid growing anticipation among thousands of applicants who participated in the recruitment process and are awaiting the next stage of screening.
Evaluation Process Still Ongoing
The Commission said the assessment of candidates’ written examination results is still being finalised.
It explained that successful applicants would be notified through official channels once the process is completed.
“The evaluation of the written examination is still at its concluding stage, and invitation for medical examination will be communicated to successful applicants in the coming days.”
According to the PSC, notifications will be sent through email, SMS messages, the official recruitment portal, and other verified communication platforms operated by the Commission.
The agency urged applicants not to rely on unofficial sources for recruitment updates.
Why It Matters
Recruitment scams have become a recurring challenge in Nigeria, particularly during major government hiring exercises.
Fraudsters often exploit applicants’ eagerness by spreading false information, fake lists, and promises of employment in exchange for money.
The PSC’s warning is significant because thousands of young Nigerians are participating in the recruitment process amid concerns about unemployment and competition for public-sector jobs.
False recruitment information can create panic, misinformation, and opportunities for financial fraud.
Commission Reaffirms Merit-Based Recruitment
The Commission said it remains committed to conducting a transparent and merit-driven recruitment exercise.
“The Commission reiterates its commitment to a merit-based recruitment process, which it has consistently upheld.”
The PSC added that maintaining high recruitment standards is essential to improving the effectiveness and professionalism of the Nigeria Police Force.
“It believes that the effectiveness of the Police Force depends on the quality of personnel recruited.”
Public Advised to Ignore Fraudsters
Applicants and members of the public have been urged to verify information through official PSC channels and avoid engaging with individuals claiming to offer recruitment assistance for a fee.
The Commission stressed that the entire recruitment exercise remains free.
“The Commission reiterates that the recruitment exercise is completely FREE at all stages.”
Security analysts have repeatedly warned job seekers against paying money to individuals claiming to have influence over recruitment processes, noting that such schemes often end in fraud.
Industry and Public Perspectives
Recruitment experts say misinformation spreads rapidly during large-scale government recruitment exercises because of high public interest and limited access to verified information.
Public affairs observers argue that regular updates from recruiting agencies can help reduce the spread of fake documents and rumours online.
Applicants have also called for increased awareness campaigns to help candidates distinguish between official announcements and fraudulent messages.
What Applicants Should Do Next
The PSC advised candidates to monitor:
– Official PSC communication channels
– The recruitment portal
– Registered email addresses
– SMS notifications linked to their applications
Applicants are also encouraged to report suspicious messages, fake recruitment agents, or requests for payment to relevant authorities.
What Happens Next?
Once the evaluation of examination results is completed, successful candidates will receive invitations for medical examinations, which form part of the next phase of the recruitment process.
Until then, the Commission says any shortlist circulating online should be treated as false.
