The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has taken disciplinary action against 224 officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service following a review of misconduct cases across the agency.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the NCoS spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, the board confirmed that the measures were approved after a thorough investigation and recommendations by its Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee.
“The board remains committed to maintaining integrity, discipline, and professionalism across the Service,” Abubakar stated.
Of the 224 cases reviewed, 15 officers were dismissed for serious misconduct and violations of Service rules.
Additionally, 59 officers were demoted for breaching professional standards, while 42 others received written warnings.
Eight officers were compulsorily retired, and one officer had his rank reversed with an order to refund the benefits wrongly received while holding the position.
“Seven personnel have been suspended pending the outcome of ongoing investigations to determine their level of involvement in a pending case,” the statement added.
In a particularly severe case, one officer has been recommended for prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over alleged criminal conduct discovered during the internal probe.
The board also cleared 16 officers who were found not guilty of the allegations made against them.
The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, reaffirmed the Service’s resolve to enforce discipline and ensure accountability at all levels.
“Disciplinary measures will continue to be applied fairly and strictly in line with established rules and procedures,” he assured, while calling on the public to support the Service in its reform drive.
The review was conducted under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunde-Ojo, who emphasized the need for high ethical standards and professionalism within the Correctional Service.
