Nineteen officers of the Nigeria Police Force have been dismissed for gross professional misconduct, according to the Police Service Commission (PSC).
On Friday, December 6, 2024, the commission stated that the dismissed officers violated the rules and regulations of the establishment.
At a plenary session, the PSC chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, also demoted 19 other officers found guilty of various offences.
In a statement by PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani, the dismissed officers include 10 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs), six Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), two Chief Superintendents of Police (CSPs), and one Superintendent of Police (SP).
Ani said the dismissal followed the recommendations of PSC commissioners after investigations into various petitions against the officers.
Two Assistant Inspector Generals of Police were also reprimanded for failing to carry out lawful instructions, and another senior officer received a warning letter for negligence of duty.
The PSC also demoted one Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), one Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), two Superintendents of Police (SPs), two Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), and 13 Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs).
Ani stated, “The commission also considered 23 appeals and petitions and nine legal matters/court judgments.”
PSC Chairman Argungu said the commission will expedite police disciplinary matters to allow officers who are not found wanting to continue their career progression, while those found guilty serve their punishments.
He warned that the PSC would not hesitate to punish officers involved in civil matters such as land disputes, marital issues, and rent-related disputes.
“DIG Argungu said the courts should be allowed to perform their duties, while the police should focus more on criminal matters and threats to life,” Ani added.
