The Police Service Commission (PSC) has demoted 10 senior police officers, dismissed 4 others and imposed various disciplinary sanctions on 31 others for acts of misconduct.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the PSC’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Torty Njoku Kalu, said the decisions were reached during the Commission’s Plenary Meeting held at its Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
According to the Commission, the four dismissed officers were found culpable of gross misconduct, unprofessional conduct and acts unbecoming of public officers after disciplinary proceedings.
The 10 officers demoted comprise three Superintendents of (SPs) reduced to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), two Deputy Superintendents of Police demoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), and five Assistant Superintendents of Police reduced to the rank of Inspector.
Other disciplinary measures included severe reprimands for 10 officers, reprimands for 5 officers, warning letters issued to 3 officers, and a letter of advice to one officer.
The Commission also approved the compulsory retirement of two officers “in the public interest.”
The PSC, however, exonerated seven officers after investigations found no evidence of wrongdoing against them.
Speaking on the outcome of the plenary, the Chairman of the Commission said the Board would continue to enforce discipline and ensure that misconduct within the Nigeria Police Force attracts appropriate sanctions.
“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,” Argungu said.
He added that the Commission would continue to recognise and reward officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary service.
“We would also continue to encourage and motivate hard work for deserving officers through our established reward system,” he added.
The Commission said the disciplinary actions underscore its commitment to promoting accountability, professionalism and public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force through the strict enforcement of ethical and disciplinary standards.