PSC Dismisses 18 Senior Police Officers, Reduces Ranks of 19 Others
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed 18 senior police officers, including ten Assistant Superintendents, four Deputy Superintendents, two Chief Superintendents, and one Superintendent. Additionally, 19 other senior officers have had their ranks reduced. These officers include one Assistant Commissioner of Police, one Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents, two Deputy Superintendents, and thirteen Assistant Superintendents.
PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani made the announcement on Friday, stating that the decisions were part of the outcomes of the Commission’s first plenary meeting, held in Abuja. The PSC reviewed 110 Pending Disciplinary Matters (PDM) and 23 appeals and petitions, including 13 court judgments seeking compliance.
The Commission also approved recommendations for promotions, which were forwarded to the Inspector General of Police for implementation. Officers found guilty in other cases were issued various forms of punishment, including severe reprimands, reprimands, and letters of warning.
The dismissed officers are expected to be prosecuted by the Nigeria Police Force’s Legal Unit. Three disciplinary cases were deferred, pending further information from the Inspector General of Police.
DIG Hashimu Argungu (Rtd), Chairman of the PSC, emphasized that the Commission will expedite police disciplinary matters to allow innocent officers to progress in their careers while ensuring that those found guilty serve appropriate punishments. He further warned that the Commission will not tolerate police involvement in civil matters, such as land disputes, marital issues, or rent-related conflicts, and that such matters should be left to the courts. Argungu stated that the police should focus on criminal issues and threats to life.
