Police Service Commission Dismisses 18 Senior Officers, Reassigns 19 for Misconduct

ABUJA, Nigeria—The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed 18 senior police officers and reassigned 19 others for various acts of misconduct and disciplinary violations, according to a statement released Friday by Ikechukwu Ani, the commission's Head of Press and Public Relations.

The actions were decided during the PSC’s first plenary meeting in Abuja, chaired by the commission’s chairman, Hashimu Argungu. The meeting addressed 109 pending disciplinary cases, 23 appeals and petitions, and 13 court rulings requiring compliance.

Following a thorough review, the PSC approved dismissing 18 senior officers, including 10 assistant superintendents, six deputy superintendents, two chief superintendents, and one superintendent. Nineteen other officers faced rank reductions, encompassing an assistant commissioner of police, a chief superintendent, two superintendents, two deputy superintendents, and 13 assistant superintendents.

Ani stated that additional officers found guilty of misconduct received penalties such as severe reprimands and warning letters. The legal unit of the Nigeria Police Force is also expected to prosecute many of the dismissed officers.

The commission also reviewed appeals and petitions, stepping down three cases to seek additional information from the Inspector-General of Police. Furthermore, it examined nine legal matters and rulings from the courts.

PSC Chairman Hashimu Argungu emphasized the commission’s commitment to holding officers accountable and maintaining professional standards. He also cautioned officers against engaging in civil disputes, such as land disagreements, marital issues, and rent conflicts. “The courts should be left to do their jobs, while the police focus on criminal cases and threats to life,” Argungu said.

This disciplinary action underscores the PSC’s dedication to enforcing accountability and improving the integrity of the Nigeria Police Force.