In 2025, both the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigerian Army offer structured salaries and allowances that depend heavily on rank, responsibilities, and deployment. While both institutions serve critical national security roles, their pay structures reveal key differences—especially in the higher ranks and operational allowances. This guide offers a clear, side-by-side comparison of salaries and benefits across ranks to help you understand who earns more and why.
Police (NPF) vs. Nigerian Army: 2025 Salary Comparison
1. Entry-Level & Recruits
| Rank | Police (Constable) | Army (Private/Soldier) |
|---|---|---|
| Training allowance | ₦10,000 – ₦12,000 | ₦10,000 – ₦12,000 |
| Basic salary after training | ₦54,000 – ₦62,000 | ₦50,000 – ₦57,000 |
| Typical total earning | ₦60,000 – ₦75,000 | ₦60,000 – ₦85,000 (w/ allowances) |
Observation: Police recruits generally start slightly higher, but both forces offer similar entry-level earnings.
2. Mid-Level Non-Commissioned Officers
| Rank | Police (e.g., Sergeant) | Army (e.g., Corporal/Sergeant) |
|---|---|---|
| Salary range | ₦110,000 – ₦150,000 | ₦80,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Allowances | Housing, risk, transport, uniform | Housing, hardship, hazard, uniform |
Observation: Mid-level army ranks tend to earn more, especially when deployed to high-risk zones.
3. Commissioned Officers
| Rank Range | Police Salary Range | Army Salary Range |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Commissioned | ₦156,000 – ₦220,000 (e.g., ASP, SP) | ₦250,000 – ₦550,000 (Lieutenant, Captain) |
| Senior Commissioned | ₦350,000 – ₦800,000 (DCP to AIG) | ₦500,000 – ₦2,000,000+ (Colonel to General) |
Observation: While police salaries climb steadily with rank, the army tends to offer higher earnings at comparable levels—especially considering operational bonuses and risk premiums.
4. Top Commanders
| Rank | Police (IGP) | Army (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Top Salary | ₦700,000 – ₦1.2 million | ₦800,000 – ₦2 million+ |
Observation: At the highest echelons, army commanders typically earn more due to their roles in strategic operations and increased risk allowances.
Key Allowances & Benefits (Both Forces)
Both the NPF and Army include several common allowances that meaningfully increase take-home pay:
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Housing/Rent Allowance
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Risk/Hazard Allowance
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Transport/Travel Allowance
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Uniform & Duty Tour Allowances
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Meal or Shift Duty Subsidies
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Operational or Special Duty Pay
Allowances can add up to 20–50% or more of base salary, depending on deployment location and duties.
Final Takeaways
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Entry-level pay is comparable between the NPF and Army.
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Army mid-level and senior ranks often earn more, particularly when deployed in high-risk or operational roles.
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Top-tier command pay is significantly higher in the Army compared to equivalent NPF ranks.
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Allowances play a crucial role in boosting real income—especially for deploying Army officers in active zones.
