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El-Ameen Ibrahim
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has intensified its disciplinary oversight of the Nigeria Police Force with the dismissal of four senior police officers and the imposition of various sanctions on 31 others following the conclusion of separate disciplinary proceedings.
The decisions were reached during the Commission’s plenary meeting at its Corporate Headquarters in Abuja and were announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Torty Njoku Kalu.
According to the Commission, the disciplinary measures followed the consideration of cases brought before it as part of its statutory oversight responsibilities. The four officers dismissed from service were found liable for gross misconduct, unprofessional conduct and acts considered unbecoming of public officers.
Beyond the dismissals, the Commission approved the demotion of 10 senior officers across different ranks. Three Superintendents of Police were reduced to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, while two Deputy Superintendents of Police were demoted to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police. In addition, five Assistant Superintendents of Police were reduced to the rank of Inspector.
The Commission also authorised the compulsory retirement of two officers, stating that the action was taken in the public interest.
Other disciplinary measures approved included severe reprimands for 10 officers, reprimands for five others, warning letters for three officers and a letter of advice for one officer. The Commission equally cleared seven officers of wrongdoing after investigations into their cases were concluded.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, Chairman of the Commission, Hashimu Salihu Argungu, said the Board remained committed to enforcing discipline across the Police Force while ensuring that appropriate sanctions were applied where necessary.
“The current Board of the PSC under my watch will not condone any form of misconduct by police officers. The Commission will continue to uphold discipline in the Force and match all forms of misconduct with commensurate disciplinary actions,” he said.
Argungu also stressed that disciplinary measures would be complemented by initiatives aimed at recognising outstanding performance, noting that diligent and dedicated officers would continue to benefit from the Commission’s reward system.
The Commission reaffirmed that it would sustain efforts to promote professionalism, strengthen accountability and enhance public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force through consistent oversight and adherence to established disciplinary standards.
