A facility of the Nigerian Correctional Services
Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board enforces sweeping sanctions to uphold discipline and restore public trust
In one of the most extensive disciplinary actions in recent years, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed 15 officers and demoted 59 others for various acts of serious misconduct and breaches of service regulations.
The sanctions, approved by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, come after a comprehensive review of 231 disciplinary cases brought before the board. The decision underscores a renewed drive by the Ministry of Interior to enforce professionalism, integrity, and accountability across all ranks.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, the disciplinary measures were the result of recommendations from the board’s Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee after extensive investigations.
In addition to the dismissals and demotions, 42 personnel were issued official warning letters as corrective measures. The board also approved the compulsory retirement of eight officers and placed seven others on suspension pending the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
One particularly severe case saw an officer not only suspended but also recommended for prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). In another instance, an officer’s rank was reversed, with an order to refund all salaries and benefits earned while improperly occupying the position. Sixteen personnel were fully exonerated of any wrongdoing.
The Minister of Interior and Chairman of the Board, Dr Olubunmi Tunde-Ojo, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to maintaining high ethical and professional standards within the service. He urged officers to uphold discipline, stressing that breaches of trust would be met with decisive action.
Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, assured the public that disciplinary proceedings in the service are conducted fairly and in strict compliance with established rules and procedures. He called for the cooperation of all personnel in sustaining reforms aimed at improving correctional service delivery nationwide.
This sweeping reform move is expected to send a strong message that the Nigerian Correctional Service will not hesitate to weed out erring officers while rewarding integrity and professionalism.
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