The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed 19 senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for alleged misconduct, marking a significant disciplinary move aimed at enhancing accountability within the force.
In a statement on Friday, Ikechukwu Ani, spokesperson for the PSC, said the decision was made during the commission’s plenary session, which reviewed multiple disciplinary matters.
Ani disclosed that the commission deliberated on 110 pending disciplinary cases, 23 appeals and petitions, and 13 court judgments during the session.
“The commission, after rigorous consideration of the pending disciplinary matters, approved the dismissal of nineteen (19) senior police officers, which comprised ten assistant superintendents, six deputy superintendents, two chief superintendents, and one superintendent,” Ani said.
In addition to the dismissals, the PSC approved the reduction in ranks of 19 other senior officers. These included:
One assistant commissioner of police
One chief superintendent
Two superintendents
Two deputy superintendents
Thirteen assistant superintendents
Two assistant inspectors general of police (AIGs) were also punished. One was reprimanded for refusing to carry out lawful instructions, while the other received a letter of warning for negligence.
Ani revealed that several other officers were found culpable and received various levels of disciplinary measures, including:
Severe reprimand
Reprimand
Letters of warning
These actions reflect the commission’s intent to uphold professional conduct within the police force.
Hashimu Argungu, Chairman of the PSC, used the occasion to caution officers against engaging in civil matters, urging them to remain professional and committed to their responsibilities.
“The commission will not tolerate any form of misconduct or indiscipline that undermines the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force,” Argungu stated.
The PSC’s actions are seen as part of broader efforts to instill discipline and professionalism within the police force.
The move underscores the commission’s commitment to holding officers accountable and ensuring that ethical standards are maintained across all ranks.
By addressing these disciplinary issues, the PSC aims to rebuild public trust in the Nigeria Police Force and foster a culture of transparency and accountability.