THE Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the dismissal of four senior police officers over various acts of misconduct, as part of a sweeping disciplinary exercise aimed at strengthening discipline, accountability and professionalism in the Nigeria Police Force.
News Point Nigeria reports that the disciplinary actions were announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commission’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Torty Njoku Kalu, following the PSC’s Plenary Meeting held at its Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
According to the Commission, 10 senior police officers were also demoted, while disciplinary sanctions were imposed on 31 other officers for various acts of misconduct.
The PSC disclosed that the four dismissed officers were 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 which affected multiple officers. Ten senior officers received reductions in rank,” the statement read in part.
The Commission explained that the officers who were demoted included three Superintendents of Police reduced to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police, two Deputy Superintendents of Police demoted to Assistant Superintendent of Police, and five Assistant Superintendents of Police reduced to the rank of Inspector.
In addition to the dismissals and demotions, the PSC approved the compulsory retirement of two officers, stating that the action was taken “in the public interest.”
Other disciplinary measures approved by the Commission included severe reprimands for 10 officers, reprimands for five officers, warning letters issued to three officers and a letter of advice to one officer.
The Commission, however, cleared seven officers after investigations found no evidence of wrongdoing against them.
Reacting to the outcome of the plenary meeting, the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hashimu Salihu Argungu, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to enforcing discipline within the Nigeria Police 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,” Argungu said.
He also assured that officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary service would continue to receive recognition and encouragement through the Commission’s reward system.
“We would also continue to encourage and motivate hard work for deserving officers through our established reward system,” he added.
The Police Service Commission reaffirmed its commitment to promoting accountability, professionalism and public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force through the strict enforcement of disciplinary standards.