Linus Aleke in Abuja
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed four senior police officers and imposed various disciplinary sanctions on 31 others over acts of misconduct, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening discipline and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.
The decisions were taken at the commission’s plenary meeting held at its corporate headquarters in Abuja, according to a statement by the Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Mr Torty Njoku Kalu.
The commission said the four officers were dismissed after they were found guilty of gross misconduct, unprofessional conduct and acts unbecoming of public officers.
“It also approved a range of disciplinary measures affecting several other officers. Ten senior officers were reduced in rank, comprising three Superintendents of Police demoted to Deputy Superintendents of Police, two Deputy Superintendents of Police reduced to Assistant Superintendents of Police, and five Assistant Superintendents of Police demoted to the rank of Inspector. Two other officers were compulsorily retired in the public interest.
“The disciplinary actions also included severe reprimands for 10 officers, reprimands for five officers, warning letters for three officers and a letter of advice to one officer. The commission, however, exonerated seven officers after clearing them of any wrongdoing,” the statement revealed.
Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (rtd), reiterated the board’s zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline in the Nigeria Police Force.
“The current Board of the PSC under my watch will not condone any form of misconduct by police officers,” DIG Argungu stated.
“The commission will continue to uphold discipline in the Force and match all forms of misconduct with commensurate disciplinary actions. We would also continue to encourage and motivate hard work for deserving officers through our established reward system.”
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to entrenching accountability, professionalism and public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
