PSC dismisses four senior police officers, disciplines 31 others for misconduct

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed four senior police officers and imposed various disciplinary measures on 31 others in the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) over acts of misconduct.

The decision was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by the Commission’s spokesman, Mr Ikechukwu Ani.

According to the statement, the decision was reached at the Commission’s plenary meeting held at its Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

It explained that the four dismissed officers were found guilty of gross misconduct, unprofessional conduct and acts unbecoming of public officers.

The statement added that, in addition to the dismissals, the Commission approved a range of disciplinary actions affecting several officers.

According to it, “Ten senior officers received reductions in rank: three Superintendents of Police were reduced to Deputy Superintendents of Police, two Deputy Superintendents of Police were reduced to Assistant Superintendents of Police, and five Assistant Superintendents of Police were reduced to the rank of Inspector. Two officers were also compulsorily retired in the public interest.

“Other sanctions included severe reprimands issued to 10 officers, reprimands to five officers, warning letters to three officers, and a letter of advice to one officer. In addition, seven officers were exonerated and cleared of wrongdoing.”

The statement further noted that the Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (retd.), mni, reaffirmed the Board’s zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline within the Nigeria Police Force.

According to him, “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. We will also continue to encourage and reward hard work among deserving officers through our established reward system.”

The PSC reaffirmed its commitment to entrenching accountability, professionalism and public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.