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Nigeria Police Exam study materials
Nigeria Police Exam study resources

Nigeria Police Exam practice questions

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Question 1English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word: The officer's decision was praised for being impartial.

  1. biased
  2. hasty
  3. secretive
  4. fair Correct answer.

Explanation

'Impartial' describes a person who treats all sides equally and without favour. 'Fair' carries that same sense of being just and unbiased. The other options describe qualities opposite to or unrelated to impartiality.

Question 2English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option opposite in meaning to the underlined word: The witness gave a vague account of the incident.

  1. confusing
  2. precise Correct answer.
  3. lengthy
  4. honest

Explanation

'Vague' means unclear or lacking exact detail. Its antonym must mean clear and exact, which is 'precise'. The remaining options describe length, truthfulness, or confusion rather than exactness.

Question 3English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Identify the part of speech of the underlined word: She spoke <u>carefully</u> during the interview.

  1. noun
  2. adjective
  3. adverb Correct answer.
  4. preposition

Explanation

The word modifies the verb 'spoke', telling how the action was done. Words that modify verbs are adverbs, and 'carefully' is formed from an adjective plus '-ly'.

Question 4English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: Neither the sergeant nor the constables ____ present at the parade.

  1. is
  2. has been
  3. was
  4. were Correct answer.

Explanation

With 'neither...nor', the verb agrees with the subject nearer to it. The nearer subject is the plural 'constables', so the plural verb 'were' is required.

Question 5English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The suspect was accused ____ stealing a motorcycle.

  1. about
  2. of Correct answer.
  3. for
  4. with

Explanation

The verb 'accuse' is followed by the preposition 'of' before the offence. This is a fixed collocation in English: accused of a crime.

Question 6English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: By the time the patrol team arrived, the thieves ____ escaped.

  1. have
  2. has
  3. will have
  4. had Correct answer.

Explanation

The sentence describes an action completed before another past action. The past perfect tense 'had escaped' expresses this earlier completed action correctly.

Question 7English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The officer asked me ____ I had seen the vehicle's plate number.

  1. whether Correct answer.
  2. that
  3. which
  4. what

Explanation

A yes/no reported question is introduced by 'whether' or 'if'. Since the speaker is unsure of the answer, 'whether' is the correct connector.

Question 8English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: Hardly ____ entered the building when the alarm rang.

  1. he has
  2. had he Correct answer.
  3. has he
  4. he had

Explanation

When a sentence begins with the negative adverb 'hardly', the auxiliary verb comes before the subject. The past perfect 'had he entered' is the correct inverted form.

Question 9English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The stolen goods were shared ____ the two suspects.

  1. through
  2. between Correct answer.
  3. within
  4. among

Explanation

'Between' is used when referring to two distinct parties. Since there are exactly two suspects, 'between' is the correct preposition.

Question 10English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The detective, together with his assistants, ____ still reviewing the files.

  1. are
  2. were
  3. is Correct answer.
  4. have been

Explanation

The subject is 'the detective', which is singular. The phrase 'together with his assistants' does not change the subject, so the singular verb 'is' is correct.

Question 11English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: If the police had acted sooner, the crime ____ prevented.

  1. would be
  2. has been
  3. will be
  4. would have been Correct answer.

Explanation

This is a third conditional sentence describing an unreal past situation. The correct pattern is 'if + past perfect, would have + past participle'.

Question 12English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The witness insisted that she ____ nothing unusual that night.

  1. saw Correct answer.
  2. has seen
  3. see
  4. will see

Explanation

'Insist' reporting a factual claim about a past event takes the past tense in the reported clause. Since the event happened 'that night', the past tense 'saw' is correct.

Question 13English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The suspect denied ____ the stolen phone.

  1. to take
  2. took
  3. take
  4. taking Correct answer.

Explanation

The verb 'deny' is followed by a gerund, that is, the '-ing' form of the verb. Therefore 'taking' is the correct complement.

Question 14English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The officer is the person ____ arrested the suspect.

  1. who Correct answer.
  2. whom
  3. whose
  4. which

Explanation

The relative pronoun replaces the subject of the clause 'arrested the suspect'. For a person acting as subject, 'who' is the correct choice.

Question 15English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The evidence was ____ weak that the case was dismissed.

  1. very
  2. such
  3. too
  4. so Correct answer.

Explanation

The pattern 'so + adjective + that' expresses a result. 'So weak that' correctly links the degree of weakness to the result.

Question 16English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: Not only ____ the suspect but he also confessed to the crime.

  1. the police arrested
  2. did the police arrest Correct answer.
  3. were the police arresting
  4. the police did arrest

Explanation

When a sentence opens with 'not only', the auxiliary comes before the subject. The inverted form 'did the police arrest' is required.

Question 17English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The constable was praised for his ____ handling of the crowd.

  1. cautioned
  2. cautiously
  3. cautious Correct answer.
  4. caution

Explanation

The blank modifies the noun 'handling', so an adjective is needed. 'Cautious' is the adjective form meaning careful.

Question 18English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The ____ of the two suspects was released on bail.

  1. elder
  2. older Correct answer.
  3. oldest
  4. eldest

Explanation

When comparing exactly two people, the comparative form 'older' is used. Superlative forms are reserved for three or more.

Question 19English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The officer spoke to the crowd ____ calm and firm tone.

  1. on a
  2. with a
  3. in a Correct answer.
  4. by a

Explanation

The phrase 'in a ... tone' describes the manner of speaking. 'In a calm and firm tone' is the standard collocation.

Question 20English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Read the passage and answer the question. 'Officer Bello arrived at the scene within minutes. He secured the area, took statements from two witnesses, and radioed for backup. Only after these steps did he begin questioning the crowd.' Which statement is best supported by the passage?

  1. He acted in a planned sequence of steps. Correct answer.
  2. He refused to take statements from witnesses.
  3. He questioned the crowd before securing the area.
  4. He waited for backup before doing anything.

Explanation

The passage lists actions in a clear order and stresses 'only after these steps', showing a planned sequence. The other statements contradict details given in the text.

Question 21English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Read the passage and answer the question. 'The new patrol system reduced response time in the district. Residents reported feeling safer, and reported crimes rose slightly, perhaps because people now trusted that reports would be acted upon.' Which inference is most reasonable?

  1. Residents now had more confidence in the police. Correct answer.
  2. Response time was unrelated to the patrol system.
  3. The patrol system made residents less safe.
  4. Crime itself certainly increased sharply.

Explanation

The passage links the rise in reported crimes to greater trust that reports would be acted upon. This supports the inference that confidence in the police increased.

Question 22English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Complete the analogy: Constable is to police station as pupil is to ____.

  1. lesson
  2. teacher
  3. school Correct answer.
  4. uniform

Explanation

A constable works at a police station, so the relationship is worker to workplace. A pupil's workplace is a school, matching that relationship.

Question 23English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Five officers sit in a row. Ada is to the left of Bola. Chidi is to the right of Bola. Dayo is to the left of Ada. Who is leftmost?

  1. Ada
  2. Chidi
  3. Bola
  4. Dayo Correct answer.

Explanation

The order from the clues is Dayo, Ada, Bola, Chidi. Since Dayo is left of Ada, who is left of Bola, Dayo is the leftmost officer.

Question 24English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The inspector insisted that the report ____ submitted before noon.

  1. was
  2. will be
  3. be Correct answer.
  4. is

Explanation

Verbs like insist, demand, and request take a subjunctive clause using the base form of the verb. The base form 'be' is correct regardless of the subject or tense of the main clause.

Question 25English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The two officers ____ the suspect when the backup team arrived.

  1. is questioning
  2. were questioning Correct answer.
  3. has questioned
  4. was questioning

Explanation

The subject 'two officers' is plural, so the past continuous requires 'were questioning'. The past continuous indicates an action in progress when another action occurred.

Question 26English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The witness gave a ____ account of the incident, leaving out no important detail.

  1. compulsory
  2. comprehensive Correct answer.
  3. comprehensible
  4. compressed

Explanation

'Comprehensive' means complete and including all details, which fits the clue 'leaving out no important detail'. The other options have different meanings that do not match the context.

Question 27English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The suspect was released ____ bail after questioning.

  1. by
  2. in
  3. at
  4. on Correct answer.

Explanation

The fixed expression is 'released on bail', meaning freed from custody after security is given. Other prepositions do not collocate with 'bail' in this sense.

Question 28English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The officer spoke slowly ____ everyone could understand the instructions.

  1. unless
  2. because
  3. so that Correct answer.
  4. although

Explanation

'So that' introduces a clause of purpose, showing the intended result of speaking slowly. The other conjunctions express reason, contrast, or condition, which do not fit the purpose relationship.

Question 29English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The detective asked the witness ____ she had noticed anything unusual.

  1. which
  2. what
  3. whether Correct answer.
  4. that

Explanation

Indirect yes/no questions are introduced by 'whether' or 'if'. 'That' introduces statements, while 'what' and 'which' are interrogative words that do not fit a yes/no question.

Question 30English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Identify the part of the sentence that contains an error: 'The police (1) has arrested (2) the suspect (3) who stole (4) the car.'

  1. 2 Correct answer.
  2. 3
  3. 1
  4. 4

Explanation

'Police' is a plural noun in English and requires a plural verb. Therefore 'has arrested' should be 'have arrested'.

Question 31English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The officer denied ____ any bribe from the driver.

  1. accept
  2. accepting Correct answer.
  3. accepted
  4. to accept

Explanation

The verb 'deny' is followed by a gerund (verb + -ing), not an infinitive. Thus 'denied accepting' is correct.

Question 32English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The evidence was ____ weak that the magistrate dismissed the case immediately.

  1. too
  2. so Correct answer.
  3. such
  4. very

Explanation

The pattern 'so + adjective + that' expresses result. 'Such' is used before a noun phrase, 'very' does not combine with 'that', and 'too' implies excess without the same result clause.

Question 33English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The suspect was ____ of stealing the vehicle.

  1. arrested
  2. charged
  3. blamed
  4. accused Correct answer.

Explanation

The correct collocation is 'accused of' doing something. 'Charged' is followed by 'with', 'blamed' by 'for', and 'arrested' by 'for' or 'on suspicion of'.

Question 34English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Read the passage and answer the question. 'Officer Bello arrived at the scene within minutes. He secured the area, took statements from witnesses, and ensured that the stolen goods were returned to their owner.' Which quality does Officer Bello best demonstrate?

  1. Patience
  2. Honesty
  3. Bravery
  4. Efficiency Correct answer.

Explanation

The passage emphasizes quick arrival and immediate, effective actions, which show efficiency. There is no mention of danger, truthfulness, or endurance, so those qualities are not supported.

Question 35English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Read the passage and answer the question. 'The new patrol system reduced response time in the district. Residents report feeling safer, and crime rates have dropped since its introduction.' What is the main idea of the passage?

  1. The patrol system has improved safety and reduced crime. Correct answer.
  2. Response time is the only measure of police success.
  3. Crime rates have risen despite the patrol system.
  4. Residents are unsure about the new patrol system.

Explanation

The passage states that response time decreased, residents feel safer, and crime rates dropped, all of which support the main idea that the patrol system improved safety and reduced crime. The other options contradict or misrepresent the passage.

Question 36English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Five officers sit in a row. Ada is to the left of Bola. Chidi is to the right of Bola. Dayo is to the left of Ada. Who is in the middle?

  1. Bola Correct answer.
  2. Chidi
  3. Dayo
  4. Ada

Explanation

From the clues, Dayo is leftmost, then Ada, then Bola, then Chidi. The fifth officer must be to the right of Chidi, making Bola the third person and thus in the middle.

Question 37English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The officer ____ the report before the meeting started.

  1. writes
  2. is writing
  3. had written Correct answer.
  4. has written

Explanation

The past perfect 'had written' is used for an action completed before another past action ('started'). The other tenses do not correctly sequence the two past events.

Question 38English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The suspect was ____ that he had been seen near the scene of the crime.

  1. alert
  2. known
  3. aware Correct answer.
  4. conscious

Explanation

'Aware' means having knowledge of something and is followed by 'that'. 'Known' would require 'to be known that', 'conscious' is less common with 'that' in this sense, and 'alert' implies watchfulness rather than knowledge.

Question 39English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The two suspects were asked to ____ their statements to the magistrate.

  1. subtract
  2. subject
  3. submerge
  4. submit Correct answer.

Explanation

'Submit' means to present or hand in something for consideration, which fits the context of giving statements to a magistrate. The other words have unrelated meanings.

Question 40English Language and Verbal Reasoning

Choose the option that best completes the sentence: The witness's account was so ____ that the jury found it hard to believe.

  1. credulous
  2. incredible Correct answer.
  3. incredulous
  4. credible

Explanation

The sentence requires an adjective meaning 'unbelievable' to explain why the jury found it hard to believe. 'Incredible' means difficult to believe, which fits the context. 'Credible' means believable, the opposite of what is needed.

Question 41Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning

Simplify 3/4 + 2/5.

  1. 6/20
  2. 23/20 Correct answer.
  3. 11/20
  4. 5/9

Explanation

Find a common denominator of 20: 3/4 = 15/20 and 2/5 = 8/20. Adding the numerators gives 23/20, which is already in simplest form.

Question 42Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning

A trader buys an item for ₦2,500 and sells it for ₦3,000. What is the percentage profit?

  1. 25%
  2. 16.7%
  3. 20% Correct answer.
  4. 30%

Explanation

Profit equals selling price minus cost price: ₦3,000 − ₦2,500 = ₦500. Percentage profit is profit divided by cost price times 100, giving 500/2500 × 100 = 20%.

Question 43Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning

What is the value of 7 × 8 − 12 ÷ 4?

  1. 47
  2. 53 Correct answer.
  3. 11
  4. 59

Explanation

Order of operations requires multiplication and division before subtraction. So 7 × 8 = 56 and 12 ÷ 4 = 3, then 56 − 3 = 53.

Question 44Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning

Which of the following numbers is divisible by 9?

  1. 4,321
  2. 7,245 Correct answer.
  3. 8,120
  4. 5,634

Explanation

A number is divisible by 9 when the sum of its digits is a multiple of 9. For 7,245 the digit sum is 7+2+4+5 = 18, which is a multiple of 9.

Question 45Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning

Convert the fraction 5/8 to a decimal.

  1. 0.375
  2. 0.85
  3. 0.58
  4. 0.625 Correct answer.

Explanation

Divide the numerator by the denominator: 5 ÷ 8 = 0.625. This terminating decimal is exact because 8 divides a power of 10.

Question 46Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning

Find the simple interest on ₦40,000 at 5% per annum for 3 years.

  1. ₦4,000
  2. ₦12,000
  3. ₦6,000 Correct answer.
  4. ₦2,000

Explanation

Simple interest is principal × rate × time ÷ 100, so 40,000 × 5 × 3 ÷ 100 = 6,000. The interest is ₦6,000.

Question 47Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning

What is the next term in the sequence 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ...?

  1. 44
  2. 36
  3. 40
  4. 42 Correct answer.

Explanation

The differences between consecutive terms are 4, 6, 8, 10, so the next difference is 12. Adding 12 to 30 gives 42.

Question 48Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning

A rectangle has length 12 cm and width 5 cm. What is the length of its diagonal?

  1. 17 cm
  2. 15 cm
  3. 11 cm
  4. 13 cm Correct answer.

Explanation

The diagonal of a rectangle forms a right triangle with the sides, so by Pythagoras the diagonal is √(12² + 5²) = √(144 + 25) = √169 = 13 cm.

Question 49Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning

If 3x − 7 = 14, what is the value of x?

  1. 7 Correct answer.
  2. 21
  3. 3
  4. 5

Explanation

Add 7 to both sides to get 3x = 21, then divide both sides by 3 to obtain x = 7.

Question 50Mathematics and Quantitative Reasoning

Express 0.00045 in standard form.

  1. 4.5 × 10⁴
  2. 45 × 10⁻⁵
  3. 4.5 × 10⁻³
  4. 4.5 × 10⁻⁴ Correct answer.

Explanation

Standard form writes a number as a value between 1 and 10 multiplied by a power of 10. Moving the decimal point four places right gives 4.5, so the exponent is −4, yielding 4.5 × 10⁻⁴.