In an effort to reposition discipline, professionalism, and accountability in the Nigerian public service, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has approved sanctions against dozens of officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service. The move follows the recommendation of the disciplinary committee after careful review of 231 disciplinary cases brought before the board.
Consequently, a total of 15 personnel offers were dismissed after they were found guilty of misconduct and violations of service regulations, while 59 personnel lost their rank after breaching professional standards.
Additionally, 42 others received official warning letters as corrective measures.
Furthermore, the board also approved the compulsory retirement of eight other officers while discharging and acquitting 16 personnel, with seven others placed under suspension pending the investigation.
In an exceptional case, one officer was not only suspended, but he was also recommended for prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for financial-related crime.
Also, another officer, after losing a rank, was directed to refund all salaries and benefits he earned while holding the lost rank improperly.
The Public Relations Officer for the NCoS, Umar Abubakar, disclosed these details in a statement on Thursday, noting that the sanctions were based on recommendations from the board’s Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee after extensive investigations.
Umar noted that the board, under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunde-Ojo, reiterated its commitment to maintaining high ethical and professional standards across all cadres.
While soliciting cooperation, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, assured the public that disciplinary actions will continue to be handled fairly in strict compliance with existing rules and procedures.