The Police Service Commission (PSC) has taken a bold step in maintaining discipline within the Nigeria Police Force.
The Commission has approved the dismissal of 19 senior police officers, comprising 10 Assistant Superintendents, 6 Deputy Superintendents, 2 Chief Superintendents, and 1 Superintendent.
Additionally, 19 other senior police officers have been demoted in rank, including 1 Assistant Commissioner of Police, 1 Chief Superintendent, 2 Superintendents, 2 Deputy Superintendents, and 13 Assistant Superintendents.
The Commission’s decision was made after a rigorous consideration of 109 pending disciplinary matters and 23 appeals and petition cases.
A statement issued on Friday by the Head, Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani said: “The Police Service Commission rose from the last segment of its first Plenary Meeting in Abuja, with far reaching decisions on one hundred and nine (110) Pending Disciplinary Matters (PDM), and twenty three (23) Appeals and petition cases with thirteen (13) court judgements seeking for compliance
“The Commission had earlier considered and approved recommendations on several promotion matters which had since been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police for implementation.
“The Plenary Meeting was chaired by Commission Chairman DIG Hashimu Argungu rtd, mni and had DIG Taiwo Lakanu rtd, fdc, Honourable Commissioner and Secretary to the Commission, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani also present.
“The Commission after rigorous consideration of the Pending Disciplinary Matters before it, approved the dismissal of Eighteen (19) senior Police Officers which comprised ten Assistant Superintendents, six Deputy Superintendents, two Chief Superintendents and one Superintendent.
“Several other Officers found culpable received different punishments including, severe Reprimand, Reprimand and letter of warning.
“Most of the Officers dismissed are also to be prosecuted by the Legal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force. Three pending Disciplinary matters were stepped down with a request for further information from the Inspector General of Police”.
The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu, emphasized that the Commission will prioritize swift consideration of police disciplinary matters to ensure that innocent officers can continue their career progression, while those found guilty face punishment.
The dismissed officers were found culpable of various offenses, and most of them will also face prosecution by the Legal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Commission also warned that it will not spare police officers who indulge in civil matters like land disputes, marital issues, and rent-related disputes.
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Jerome Kalu
Jerome Kalu is currently the Senior Correspondent of PIJAlance in Lagos. He was previously the Campus Information Desk (CID) Editor.