The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed 18 senior police officers and reduced the ranks of 19 others following the conclusion of disciplinary actions at its first plenary meeting in Abuja.
In a statement issued on Friday, PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani disclosed that the dismissed officers included 10 Assistant Superintendents, four Deputy Superintendents, two Chief Superintendents, and one Superintendent. Meanwhile, those demoted comprised one Assistant Commissioner of Police, one Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents, two Deputy Superintendents, and 13 Assistant Superintendents.
The Commission addressed 110 pending disciplinary matters, 23 appeals and petitions, and 13 court judgments requiring compliance. Ani revealed that other sanctions included severe reprimands, reprimands, and letters of warning for several officers found culpable.
“Most of the dismissed officers are also to face prosecution by the Legal Unit of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement noted. It added that three disciplinary cases were stepped down for further information from the Inspector General of Police.
The plenary, chaired by PSC Chairman DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), also reviewed recommendations for promotions, which have been forwarded to the Inspector General of Police for implementation. Argungu emphasized the Commission’s commitment to addressing police disciplinary cases promptly to ensure accountability and enable career progression for officers cleared of wrongdoing.
He warned that the Commission would no longer tolerate police involvement in civil matters such as land disputes, marital issues, and rent-related disagreements. “The courts should handle these issues while the police focus on criminal matters and threats to life,” Argungu stated.
The meeting was attended by key Commission members, including DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Rtd), Honourable Commissioner Onyemuche Nnamani, and the Commission Secretary.
