The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the dismissal of 18 senior police officers after a thorough review of pending disciplinary matters. Those dismissed include two Chief Superintendents of Police, one Superintendent, four Deputy Superintendents, and 10 Assistant Superintendents of Police.
Additionally, two Assistant Inspectors General of Police faced disciplinary actions: one received a reprimand for failing to carry out lawful instructions, and the other was issued a warning for negligence.
According to a statement by PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani, 19 other senior officers had their ranks reduced, including one Assistant Commissioner of Police, one Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents, two Deputy Superintendents, and 13 Assistant Superintendents. Several others were handed punishments such as severe reprimands and letters of warning.
The statement noted, “Most of the dismissed officers are also to face prosecution by the Legal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force. Additionally, three pending disciplinary cases were deferred, with a request for further information from the Inspector General of Police.”
The commission also reviewed 23 appeals, petitions, and nine legal cases or court judgments. In its first plenary meeting held in Abuja, the PSC addressed 110 pending disciplinary matters and 23 appeals and petition cases, along with 13 court judgments requiring compliance.
The PSC had earlier approved recommendations on several promotion matters, which have been forwarded to the Inspector General of Police for implementation.
The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), emphasized that the PSC will prioritize the timely resolution of disciplinary cases to allow untainted officers to progress in their careers and ensure that culpable officers face appropriate sanctions. He cautioned officers against involving themselves in civil disputes, such as land issues, marital conflicts, or rent disagreements, urging them to focus on criminal matters and threats to life.
The plenary meeting was chaired by DIG Argungu (rtd) and attended by DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), Hon. Commissioner and Secretary to the Commission, and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani.
