Junior police officers in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states have accused some Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) of deliberately blocking their transfers to other formations. The officers claim that despite receiving official transfer signals from police authorities, DPOs are refusing to release them to report to their new formations, citing manpower shortages. This practice has left some personnel stranded in their current stations for months.
The affected officers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the situation is widespread in divisions within Calabar and Uyo. They alleged that DPOs are blocking transfers even when personnel have received official signals, and that some officers have been stuck for six months. The officers described the situation as "getting out of hand," questioning why junior personnel should be prevented from reporting to their new places of assignment after transfers have been approved.
According to the officers, the practice has affected around 50 personnel across different divisions. Some officers allegedly threatened to resign if the situation persists. The officers said DPOs in Calabar and Uyo jurisdictions have particularly been refusing to release personnel, citing insufficient personnel to replace them. However, the officers described this as "wickedness" against junior officers, saying they have the right to work wherever they desire.
The police sources said they have been told that officers cannot leave their current divisions unless replacements are first posted to take over their duties. However, this arrangement is not an official policy communicated to the affected officers. The sources said the issue has persisted since January 2026, with some transfers dating back to the previous year still pending.
The affected divisions in Cross River State include formations in Calabar, Ekori, Ogoja, Ikom, and Abi. In Akwa Ibom, the areas where similar complaints have been raised include Oron, Ikot Ekpene, and Eket. The officers said formal complaints have already been made to the Cross River and Akwa Ibom State Police Commands, but alleged that no meaningful action has been taken.
The officers said some personnel sought transfers due to transportation difficulties, health concerns, or other personal circumstances. One officer specifically sought a transfer to a nearby police station due to transportation challenges but has remained at their current station for six months. The officers said blocking such transfers could worsen the circumstances of personnel who had already sought administrative approval to move closer to their families or places where they could better manage their personal challenges.
The prolonged delays have generated frustration among junior personnel, with some threatening to resign from the Nigeria Police Force. The officers recalled a previous case involving a police corporal whose transfer to another state was allegedly blocked despite an approval from the Inspector-General of Police. The situation has raised concerns about the welfare of police officers and the need for police authorities to address the issue.
Key points
- Around 50 police officers in Cross River and Akwa Ibom states have been affected by the alleged blocking of their transfers.
- The officers claim that DPOs are blocking transfers even when personnel have received official signals, citing manpower shortages.
- Some officers have been stuck in their current stations for six months, leading to frustration and threats of resignation.
