The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the dismissal of four senior police officers for various acts of misconduct, while demoting 10 others and imposing disciplinary sanctions on 31 officers, in a move aimed at strengthening professionalism and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.
The commission said the disciplinary measures reflect its commitment to enforcing ethical standards and ensuring that police officers are held accountable for misconduct.
The decisions were taken 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, Njoku Kalu.
According to the statement, the four senior officers were dismissed after being found guilty of gross misconduct, unprofessional conduct, and acts unbecoming of public officers.
“The Police Service Commission has approved the dismissal of four senior police officers and issued a range of disciplinary measures against 31 others following various acts of misconduct.
“The four dismissed officers were found culpable of gross misconduct, unprofessional conduct, and acts unbecoming of public officers.
“In addition to the dismissals, the commission approved a range of disciplinary actions affecting multiple officers. Ten senior officers received reductions in rank,” the statement said.
The PSC disclosed that the affected officers include three Superintendents of Police who were demoted to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, two Deputy Superintendents of Police reduced to the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police, and five Assistant Superintendents of Police demoted to the rank of Inspector.
The commission also approved the compulsory retirement of two officers “in the public interest”.
Other disciplinary measures included severe reprimands for 10 officers, reprimands for five officers, warning letters for three officers, and a letter of advice issued to one officer.
However, the commission exonerated seven officers after investigations found no evidence of wrongdoing against them.
Commenting on the outcome of the meeting, Chairman of the PSC, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hashimu Argungu, said the commission would continue to apply firm disciplinary measures against officers who breach professional standards.
“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 every act of misconduct with commensurate disciplinary action,” he said.
Argungu added that, while the commission would continue to sanction misconduct, it would also recognise and reward officers who demonstrate integrity, professionalism, and outstanding service.
“We will also continue to encourage and reward deserving officers through our established recognition system,” he said.
The commission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability, professionalism, and public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force through the consistent enforcement of disciplinary standards.
