The Federal Government has dismissed 15 officers of the Nigeria Correctional Service and demoted 59 others over various acts of misconduct and indiscipline.
The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, which operates under the Ministry of Interior, made this known after reviewing 224 disciplinary cases across the service.
A statement issued by the spokesperson of the NCoS, Umar Abubakar, said the action followed recommendations by the Board’s Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee after thorough investigations and due process.
“Following a thorough review, the Board approved various disciplinary measures in line with its commitment to enforcing discipline and upholding the integrity of the Service,” the statement read.
“A total of 15 personnel were dismissed from the Service for serious misconduct and violation of Service regulations.
“Additionally, 59 officers had their ranks reduced as a result of confirmed breaches of professional standards, while 42 personnel were issued written warning letters as a corrective measure.”
Abubakar said 16 personnel were cleared of all allegations, while seven others remain suspended as investigations continue into their involvement in a pending case.
He also revealed that in one serious case, an officer was not only suspended but recommended for prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“Furthermore, 8 personnel were compulsorily retired from the Service, and 1 officer had his rank reversed with a directive to refund all earnings received while wrongly holding the rank,” he added.
The Board, led by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunde Ojo, reaffirmed its commitment to high standards of discipline and ethics within the correctional system.
Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwacuhe, also assured that all disciplinary actions would continue to follow due process and urged the public to support the service in promoting accountability.
