The Police Service Commission (PSC) has taken decisive action against misconduct in the Nigerian Police Force by dismissing 18 senior officers and demoting 19 others.
The move follows a comprehensive review of pending disciplinary matters at the Commission’s recent plenary meeting in Abuja.
In a statement released on Friday, December 6, 2024, Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations for the PSC, announced that the decisions were made after carefully considering over 100 cases of alleged misconduct and 23 petitions. The meeting was chaired by Commission Chairman DIG Hashimu Argungu, with the full participation of key Commission officials, including DIG Taiwo Lakanu and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani.
Among those dismissed were ten Assistant Superintendents, four Deputy Superintendents, two Chief Superintendents, and one Superintendent. Additionally, the ranks of 19 other senior officers were reduced, including an Assistant Commissioner of Police and several other officers at various ranks.
In a stern warning, DIG Argungu emphasized the PSC’s commitment to swiftly addressing police disciplinary matters, ensuring that officers who are found guilty are held accountable, while allowing those without fault to progress in their careers. He also reminded officers to operate strictly within the established rules, urging that the police should refrain from becoming involved in civil disputes such as land or marital issues, leaving such matters to the courts.
“We will not spare officers who indulge in non-criminal activities,” Argungu stated, adding that those found guilty would face appropriate sanctions, including prosecution.
The Commission also considered 23 appeals and petitions, as well as nine legal matters. Notably, the PSC reviewed cases where two Assistant Inspectors General of Police faced reprimands, one for failing to follow lawful instructions and the other for negligence. Several officers were also reprimanded, receiving written warnings for various infractions.
The decisions come amid growing concerns over the professionalism of the police force, with the PSC pledging to continue its efforts in enforcing discipline and improving the police’s service to the public.
