The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports alleging that it compelled officers across the country to purchase a handbook titled “Attitudinal Change Handbook for the Nigeria Police Force” for N2,000 each.

An online publication had claimed that the police authorities made the purchase mandatory and even issued a deadline for compliance. However, documents obtained by PUNCH Metro indicate that the initiative was strictly voluntary.

A circular dated May 28, 2025, from the Department of Training and Development at Force Headquarters, Abuja, introduced the author, Dr. Joseph Danley, and granted him permission to “directly market the handbook to interested officers who may wish to voluntarily procure same.” The letter, signed by the Commissioner of Police (Training), Rashid Afegbua, was issued on behalf of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the handbook was not compulsory, describing the reports as misleading.

He said, “The correspondence clearly stated that the book should be sold to interested police officers and that it should be voluntary. No command has forced the book on any officer. If any individual did so, it should be reported to the Police Service Commission for action, not to the media.”

Providing further clarification, the author, Dr. Danley, said the handbook was designed to support ongoing reforms in professionalism and ethics within the police.

He explained that he had earlier proposed a paid training programme costing N25,000 per participant, but the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, declined the fee and instead approved the free training, allowing only voluntary purchase of the handbook.

“We sent a proposal to the Inspector-General of Police to embark on the reorientation of the mindset of the average police officer. Initially, it was N25,000 per participant, but the IG said there was no money for that. So, he approved that the seminar be free while the handbook could be sold to those interested,” Danley stated.

He also noted that he personally delivered copies of the handbook to several state commands, where some officers chose to purchase it willingly.

“I have flown to some states to deliver the book, and those who wanted to buy did, while I picked up the remaining copies,” he said.

The development comes amid growing public concern over reports that some police officers have been allegedly pressured to make unofficial payments within the force.