Police and Army Salary in Nigeria 2025

Police and Army Salary in Nigeria

Understanding the salary structure of Nigeria’s security agencies is important for anyone interested in joining the forces or comparing salaries among civil and uniformed jobs. Among the most commonly discussed uniformed services in Nigeria are the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Army. These two institutions plays important roles in maintaining peace, enforcing laws, and defending the territorial integrity of the country.

This article provides a complete breakdown of Police and Army salary in Nigeria, focusing on entry-level salaries based on educational qualifications such as SSCE, NCE, ND, and B.Sc. We will also explain how ranks can affect monthly income, and what benefits come with these jobs.

Roles of Police and Army in Nigeria

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is a civil security agency responsible for enforcing law and order within the country. Officers are posted to towns, cities, and rural communities to manage crime and protect citizens. The police operate under the Ministry of Police Affairs.

The Nigerian Army, on the other hand, is part of the Nigerian Armed Forces. It handles the defense of the nation against external threats, engages in peacekeeping missions, and provides aid in emergency situations. It operates under the Ministry of Defence.

While their duties differ, both forces provide employment opportunities for Nigerian youths with different levels of education. One major area of interest is how much they are paid. Let’s start from taking a close look at Police and Army salary in Nigeria for new recruits.

Salary of SSCE Holders in the Police and Army

SSCE holders, those who possess only WAEC, NECO, or GCE certificates, are eligible to apply for recruits in both the police and the army. These positions are considered non-commissioned officers.

Police Salary for SSCE Holders

• Rank: Police Constable
• Monthly Salary: ₦83,000 – ₦105,000
• Annual Salary: Around ₦1,200,000

A Police Constable is the lowest rank in the Nigeria Police Force. This role is usually assigned to those with no higher qualifications beyond SSCE. While the starting salary may seem small but, there are opportunities for promotion and training.

Army Salary for SSCE Holders

• Rank: Private
• Monthly Salary: ₦100,000 – ₦110,000
• Annual Salary: Around ₦1,300,000

In the Nigerian Army, SSCE holders are recruited as non-tradesmen and women. They undergo basic military training before being posted for duty. The salary for a Private in the Army is slightly higher than that of a Police Constable, though both receive uniforms, feeding, and accommodation during active service.

Salary of NCE and ND Holders

NCE (National Certificate in Education) and ND (National Diploma) holders qualify for mid-level entry into both the Police and the Army. However, their starting ranks vary depending on the institution.

Police Salary for NCE/ND Holders

• Rank: Cadet Inspector
• Monthly Salary: ₦123,000 – ₦158,000
• Annual Salary: Over ₦1,500,000

Cadet Inspectors undergo training at the police college before being fully integrated into the force. They are above constables and sergeants and may be assigned to supervisory roles after training. The position is more demanding but comes with higher pay and responsibilities.

Army Salary for NCE/ND Holders

• Rank: Private
• Monthly Salary: ₦110,000 – ₦125,000

Interestingly, in the Nigerian Army, NCE and ND holders still enter through the non-commissioned route but they apply as tradesmen or specialists. In such cases, their qualification may earn them technical roles with slightly improved allowances, but their rank will still start at the Private.

Salary of B.Sc. and HND Holders

Graduates from universities or polytechnics who hold either B.Sc. or HND certificates enjoy better entry ranks and higher pay.

Police Salary for B.Sc./HND Holders

• Rank: Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
• Monthly Salary: ₦187,000 – ₦205,000
• Annual Salary: Over ₦2.5 million

Please note that as they grow in rank, so their salaries. You can read about the Nigerian Army Salary 2025 or Nigerian Police Salary 2025 to see the complete ranks and salaries in the forces.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Police is not part of the Nigerian Armed forces, it’s regarded as one of the paramilitary agencies in Nigeria. The Nigerian Police is also on of the Lowest paid paramilitary agencies in Nigeria. You can also read our previous posts on the highest paid paramilitary agencies in Nigeria 2025.

Officers at this level enter the force through the Police Academy or direct recruitment programs. ASPs are commissioned officers and have access to several allowances and benefits. Their duties are administrative, operational, and strategic in nature.

Army Salary for B.Sc./HND Holders

• Rank: Second Lieutenant
• Monthly Salary: ₦220,000 – ₦250,000
• Annual Salary: Over ₦2.8 million

B.Sc. and HND holders are eligible to become commissioned officers in the Nigerian Army. Second Lieutenants undergo training at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) or through Short Service Commission programs. Their roles include command responsibilities, planning, and supervision of troops.

Other Allowances and Benefits

Besides the basic salary, both police and army personnel receive several other benefits such as:

• Housing allowance
• Uniform maintenance
• Medical care
• Pension and gratuity after service
• Risk and hardship allowances
• Feeding and accommodation (for army personnel during active duty)

These additional benefits make careers in the security forces more attractive, especially for young people who want to join the job.

Conclusion

The Police and Army salary in Nigeria varies depending on your educational qualification and the rank at which you enter the force. SSCE holders start at the bottom of the salary scale, while graduates with B.Sc. and HND qualifications enjoy higher pay and officer status.

Choosing between a career in the police or army depends on personal interest, the nature of work, and long-term goals. However, both offer opportunities for training, promotion, and pensionable service.

If you are planning to apply for any of these roles, it’s important to understand the financial expectations. With proper preparation and the right qualifications, you can secure a decent and respectable career in either of these forces.

Now that you know more about Police and Army salary in Nigeria, you can make decisions or guide others on choosing the one that will be the best for them.