The Federal Government has dismissed 15 personnel of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) and demoted 59 others over various cases of misconduct and professional breaches, following a nationwide disciplinary review.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, after a comprehensive review conducted by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) under the supervision of the Ministry of Interior.
According to Abubakar, the disciplinary measures were approved by the Board’s Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee (BDGPC), which reviewed 224 cases involving correctional officers across the country.
“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,” he said.
Breakdown of the actions taken includes:
15 officers dismissed for serious misconduct
59 demoted due to confirmed breaches of professional standards
42 issued written warnings
8 compulsorily retired
1 officer demoted and asked to refund earnings
1 officer recommended for EFCC prosecution
7 still under investigation
16 officers exonerated
Abubakar emphasized that the disciplinary decisions were based on the severity of each case and aligned with the Service’s rules and standards.
The Minister of Interior and CDCFIB chairman, Dr. Olubunmi Tunde Ojo, said the move reflects the federal government’s resolve to instill a culture of discipline and accountability in the correctional system.
Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwacuhe, assured that all sanctions would be enforced fairly and urged public support as the NCoS intensifies internal reforms.
“Disciplinary actions will continue to be handled with fairness in strict compliance with extant rules and procedures,” the statement added.
