JUST IN: FG sacks 15 correctional officers, demotes 59 over alleged misconduct

In a decisive move to enforce discipline within the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), the Federal Government has approved the dismissal of 15 correctional officers and the demotion of 59 others for various acts of misconduct.

The action was taken by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) under the Ministry of Interior after reviewing 224 disciplinary cases involving officers from different parts of the country.

According to a statement released by the Public Relations Officer of the NCoS, Umar Abubakar, the disciplinary measures were based on the recommendations of the Board’s Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee (BDGPC), which conducted thorough investigations and ensured due process was followed.

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The move, authorities said, underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing discipline and accountability within the correctional system.

“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.

“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 in the statement.

He said the Board also exonerated 16 personnel who were found not guilty of the allegations made against them, stating that “seven Staff are currently on suspension to ascertain the levels of their involvement in a case under investigation”.

Abubakar said, “In one case, an officer was suspended from duty and recommended for handover to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution due to the gravity of the offence.

“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 said the Board under the leadership of Hon. Minister of interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunde Ojo, reiterated its commitment to maintaining high ethical and professional standards across all cadres.

While soliciting the cooperation of the general public, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwacuhe, assured that disciplinary actions will continue to be handled with fairness in strict compliance with extant rules and procedures.