​President ​Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Abuja said he would not tolerate ​any ​attempt by ​​​the Nigeria Police to extort money from unemployed youth applying to join the force.

​​Speaking at a meeting with officials of the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Police Service Commission at the presidential villa, Mr. Buhari said the practice of applicants having to pay bribes before being accepted into the police was totally unacceptable.

He ​said those in charge of recruitment and training in the police must be above board and shun every form of extortion and secret dealing that would involve receiving or taking bribe from any of the applicants.

“You must ensure that the recruitment process is transparent. Those who will conduct the recruitment must be above board. It should not be heard that they receive gratification or extort money from those who want to enlist in the police,” Mr. Buhari said.

Also, ​the president​ directed that the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, reduce the number of police officer​s​ attached to dignitaries.

Mr. Buhari asked that the police service commission review the present police structure and make valid recommendations on boosting the morale of officers and non-promotion of personnel for years.