PSC dismisses four senior police officers, demotes 10

The Police Service Commission has approved the dismissal of four senior police officers over various acts of misconduct.

It also demoted 10 officers and imposed disciplinary sanctions on 31 others as part of efforts to strengthen discipline and professionalism in the Nigeria Police Force.

The commission disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Njoku Kalu, following its plenary meeting held at the commission’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

It said 10 senior officers were reduced in rank, comprising three Superintendents of Police demoted to Deputy Superintendents of Police, two Deputy Superintendents of Police demoted to Assistant Superintendents of Police, and five Assistant Superintendents of Police demoted to the rank of Inspector.

“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 which affected multiple officers. Ten senior officers received reductions in rank,” the statement read.

The PSC further approved the compulsory retirement of two officers “in the public interest.”

Other sanctions included severe reprimands for 10 officers, reprimands for five officers, warning letters to three officers, and a letter of advice issued to one officer.

The commission, however, exonerated seven officers after finding no evidence of wrongdoing against them.

Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the chairman of the commission, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hashimu Argungu, reiterated the board’s commitment to enforcing discipline within the Force.

“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 all forms of misconduct with commensurate disciplinary actions,” he said.

Argungu also assured that officers who distinguished themselves through exemplary service would continue to receive recognition and encouragement.

“We would also continue to encourage and motivate hard work for deserving officers through our established reward system,” he said.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability, professionalism and public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force through strict enforcement of disciplinary standards.