The Nigeria Police Force has disowned a widely circulated announcement claiming that training had commenced for 50,000 newly recruited constables, warning recruitment candidates against relying on unauthorised information circulating on social media.

The fake statement had raised expectations among thousands of applicants and their families who have been waiting for official information on the next stage of the police recruitment process, particularly the commencement of training and posting to designated institutions.

Circulated mainly through WhatsApp and other social media platforms, the purported statement claimed that Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, had directed the Deputy Inspector-General in charge of Training and Development to commence arrangements for the training of the recruits.

It further instructed successful candidates to begin checking the official police recruitment portal from Monday, September 14, for information on their training institutions and resumption dates, giving the impression that the long-awaited training schedule had been officially released.

The document appeared convincing because it was designed on the letterhead of the Nigeria Police Force and carried the name and designation of the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu. It also contained purported comments by the IGP on the Federal Government’s support for efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

However, the Force on Friday categorically disowned the document, saying the statement titled, “IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu Directs Commencement Of Training For 50,000 Newly Recruited Police Constables,” was neither issued nor authorised by any organ of the Nigeria Police Force.

The development has left applicants with the need to exercise caution, particularly as false recruitment information can trigger unnecessary travel, financial expenditure and anxiety among job seekers who may be eager to secure one of the coveted positions.

The police therefore urged members of the public, especially recruitment candidates, to rely only on verified communication from the Nigeria Police Force and its authorised platforms, rather than acting on recruitment or training information circulated through unofficial social media channels.