The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the dismissal of four senior police officers over various acts of misconduct.
The commission 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 decisions were announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the PSC’s Head of Protocol and Public Relations, Njoku Kalu, following the commission’s plenary meeting at its Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
According to the statement, the 10 officers reduced in rank include three Superintendents of Police (SPs) demoted to Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), two DSPs demoted to Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs), and five ASPs demoted to the rank of Inspector.
The statement said:
“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 PSC also approved the compulsory retirement of two officers “in the public interest.”
The commission, however, cleared seven officers after finding no evidence of wrongdoing against them.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, the Chairman of the PSC, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hashimu 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 also assured that officers who demonstrate outstanding professionalism and dedication would continue to be recognised 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 said.
The commission reiterated its commitment to promoting accountability, professionalism and public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force through the consistent enforcement of disciplinary standards.