The Police Service Commission (PSC) has announced the dismissal of 18 senior police officers and the demotion of 19 others due to misconduct and various disciplinary offenses.
Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC’s Head of Press and Public Relations, confirmed the decision in a statement released on Friday in Abuja.
The disciplinary actions followed a review of 109 pending matters, 23 appeals, and petitions, as well as 13 court judgments requiring compliance, discussed at the commission’s first plenary meeting in Abuja.
During the session, which was chaired by PSC Chairman Hashimu Argungu, the commission also reviewed recommendations for police promotions sent by the Inspector-General of Police.
“After thorough consideration of the disciplinary cases, the commission approved the dismissal of 18 senior police officers, including 10 Assistant Superintendents, six Deputy Superintendents, two Chief Superintendents, and one Superintendent,” Ani said.
“Additionally, 19 other senior officers were demoted, including one Assistant Commissioner of Police, one Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents, two Deputy Superintendents, and 13 Assistant Superintendents.”
The PSC also took action against two Assistant Inspectors-General of Police: one was reprimanded for failing to carry out lawful instructions, while the other received a warning letter for negligence.
Several other officers found guilty faced varying punishments, including reprimands and warning letters.
The PSC noted that many of the dismissed officers will face prosecution by the legal unit of the Nigeria Police Force.
Three pending cases were deferred for further information from the Inspector General of Police after considering 23 appeals and petitions and nine legal matters.
The commission emphasized its commitment to promptly addressing police disciplinary issues, aiming to allow officers without allegations to progress in their careers while ensuring those found guilty face appropriate penalties.
PSC Chairman Argungu also warned that police officers involved in civil disputes, such as land, marital, and rent-related issues, would face strict consequences.
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