The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed 18 senior police officers and demoted 19 others over various acts of misconduct.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Head of Press and Public Relations of the PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, on Friday. The decision followed the last segment of the Commission’s first plenary meeting in Abuja, which deliberated on 110 pending disciplinary matters, 23 appeals and petitions, and 13 court judgments seeking compliance.
The meeting, chaired by PSC Chairman DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), also had DIG Taiwo Lakanu and the Secretary to the Commission, Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, in attendance.
According to Ani, the Commission approved the dismissal of 18 officers, including 10 Assistant Superintendents, four Deputy Superintendents, two Chief Superintendents, and one Superintendent of Police. Additionally, 19 officers had their ranks reduced, comprising one Assistant Commissioner of Police, one Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents, two Deputy Superintendents, and 13 Assistant Superintendents.
“Two Assistant Inspectors General of Police received punishments—one was reprimanded for refusing to carry out lawful instructions, while the other received a letter of warning for negligence. Several other officers were sanctioned with severe reprimands and warning letters,” Ani stated.
He further disclosed that most of the dismissed officers would face prosecution by the Nigeria Police Force’s Legal Unit.
The Commission also addressed 23 appeals and petitions and reviewed nine legal matters and court judgments during the meeting. Three pending disciplinary cases were stepped down for further clarification from the Inspector-General of Police.
Speaking on the development, DIG Argungu emphasized the Commission’s commitment to expediting disciplinary matters to ensure officers found guilty face appropriate sanctions while enabling innocent officers to continue their career progression.
“The Commission will not spare police officers who meddle in civil matters such as land disputes, marital issues, or rent-related disputes,” he warned, adding that the courts should be left to handle such cases while police focus on criminal matters and threats to life.
This latest decision underscores the PSC’s resolve to maintain discipline and professionalism within the Nigeria Police Force.
