PoliceClarification as the Nigeria Police Force refutes claims that officers were compelled to buy a handbook for ₦2,000, insisting the purchase is voluntary and aimed at promoting professionalism.
PoliceClarification emerged on Monday as the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) denied reports alleging that it compelled its personnel nationwide to purchase a handbook titled “Attitudinal Change Handbook for the Nigeria Police Force” at the cost of ₦2,000 per officer.
An online report had claimed that police authorities directed all personnel to pay the sum for the book, reportedly making the purchase compulsory with a deadline set for Thursday.
However, a document sighted by PUNCH Metro revealed that the approval for the handbook was contained in a letter dated May 28, 2025, from the Department of Training and Development, Force Headquarters, Abuja, introducing the author, Dr. Joseph Danley.
Police Clarify Voluntary Purchase
According to the letter signed by the Commissioner of Police (Training), Rashid Afegbua, on behalf of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, the author was granted permission to market the handbook directly to interested officers who wish to purchase it voluntarily.
When contacted, the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, dismissed the report as misleading, stressing that the purchase of the handbook was entirely voluntary.
He added that no command had forced the book on any officer.
Author Explains Purpose of the Handbook
Clarifying the background of the initiative, Dr. Joseph Danley, author of the handbook, said the publication was part of an effort to improve professionalism and ethics within the police force.
He explained that he had initially proposed charging ₦25,000 per participant for a training program, but the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, made the seminar free of charge and approved only the voluntary sale of the handbook.
He added that he had personally delivered copies of the handbook to several state commands, where officers who were interested in purchasing it did so voluntarily.
Broader Context
The development comes amid a series of claims suggesting that some police officers were being pressured to make certain payments against their will. The Force Headquarters has reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and voluntary participation in all welfare and training initiatives.
