By Hosea Parah, Abuja

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has dismissed 19 senior police officers and reduced the ranks of 19 others as part of its ongoing efforts to tackle misconduct within the Nigeria Police Force. This action was taken following the Commission’s latest plenary meeting in Abuja, where it also reviewed and made decisions on over 100 disciplinary matters, appeals, petitions, and several court judgments.

The plenary, chaired by DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), mni, included other key members such as DIG Taiwo Lakanu (rtd), fdc, Honourable Commissioner, and Chief Onyemuche Nnamani, Secretary to the Commission. During the meeting, the Commission approved the dismissal of 19 officers, which included ten Assistant Superintendents, six Deputy Superintendents, two Chief Superintendents, and one Superintendent.

In addition to the dismissals, the Commission reduced the ranks of 19 other senior officers, including one Assistant Commissioner of Police, one Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents, two Deputy Superintendents, and 13 Assistant Superintendents. Two Assistant Inspectors General of Police were also penalized for misconduct, with one receiving a reprimand for failure to execute lawful instructions and the other being issued a letter of warning for negligence.

The Commission further stated that those officers who were dismissed will face prosecution through the Nigeria Police Force’s Legal Unit. Additionally, three disciplinary matters were deferred pending further information from the Inspector General of Police.

DIG Argungu emphasized the Commission’s commitment to swiftly addressing disciplinary matters in the future to ensure that officers not involved in misconduct can continue their careers, while those guilty of wrongdoing face appropriate penalties. He also warned officers against engaging in civil disputes, such as issues related to land, marriage, and rent, advising that these matters should be handled by the courts.