The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has dismissed 15 correctional officers following deliberations on 224 disciplinary cases involving personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
This comes as the board reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct within the Service. The cases were presented by the Board’s Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee (BDGPC) following extensive investigations.
These measures, according to the Board, reflect its commitment to enforcing discipline and upholding professional standards across all cadres.
A total of 15 personnel were dismissed from the Service for serious misconduct and violations of Service regulations.
Also, 59 officers had their ranks reduced due to confirmed breaches of professional standards, while 42 personnel received written warning letters as corrective measures.
The Board also exonerated 16 personnel who were found not guilty of the allegations against them.
Meanwhile, seven staff members remain on suspension as investigations continue into their level of involvement in a separate case.
However, one officer was suspended and recommended for handover to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution due to the gravity of the offence committed.
Other sanctions include the compulsory retirement of eight personnel and the reversal of rank for one officer, who has been directed to refund all earnings accrued while holding the rank in error.
The Board, under the leadership of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, reiterated its commitment to maintaining high ethical and professional standards across the services under its purview.
In a statement, signed on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Deputy Controller of Corrections Umar Abubakar, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwacuhe, assured the public that all disciplinary actions will continue to be handled with fairness and in strict compliance with existing rules and procedures.
He also appealed for continued cooperation from members of the public to support the Service in its reform and correctional mandate.