The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has strongly refuted claims of a protest by officers over unpaid promotion salary increments.

According to the NPF, salary issues are handled by the Federal Ministry of Finance, not the police.

Recall that police officers under the auspices of Concerned Police Inspectors in Nigeria on Thursday visited the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital to protest non-payment of 11 months’ salary arrears.

Ademuyiwa Adejobi, force spokesman, in a statement on Saturday, described the allegation as an intentional attempt to discredit the force.

Part of the statement read: “It is important to emphasize that the Nigeria Police Force operates as a structured and disciplined entity, adhering to established principles and professional standards.

“Consequently, any grievances raised by members of the Force are constantly attended to and channeled to the right authorities for action.

“The force is taken aback by the referred publication from a group of journalists in Akwa Ibom State labeling private conversations with some police friends as protest, whereas such complaints are unknown to the police authority.”

The force reiterated that officers should address salary issues through proper channels and urged journalists to avoid publishing unverified stories that could damage the police’s reputation.

“Furthermore, it is crystal clear that neither the office of the Inspector-General of Police nor the Nigeria Police Force is accountable and responsible for the salary disbursements; this responsibility lies with the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), under the Federal Ministry of Finance.

“The reports issued by these journalists are not only distressing but also targeted at tarnishing the reputation of the Police Force or the office of the Inspector-General of Police for reasons best known to them.

“It is, however, fundamental to reiterate that should any policeman have issues with his or her payment of salaries, he should take such up with his box keeper or MSS Officer who liaises with the IPPIS desk officers for rectification.

“We are convinced that no serving officer of the police in Akwa Ibom State or any part of the country would stage a protest on the non-payment of salary more so that our officers are aware of the process to address such sensitive matters,” the statement added.