FG dismisses 15 NCoS officers, demotes 59 others

By Isaac Anumihe

The Federal Government has dismissed 15 Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) officers and demoted 59 others due to confirmed breaches of professional standards.

Additionally, 42 personnel received written warning letters as a corrective measure for serious misconduct and violation of service regulations.

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), after deliberating on over 231 cases, exonerated 16 personnel found not guilty of the allegations against them. Seven officers remain on suspension pending further investigation into their involvement in a case.

In one instance, an officer was suspended and recommended for prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) due to the severity of the offence.

Furthermore, eight personnel were compulsorily retired, and one officer had their rank reverted with a directive to refund all earnings received while wrongly holding the rank.

In a statement, the board, chaired by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, reiterated its commitment to upholding high ethical and professional standards across all cadres. The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwakuche, assured that disciplinary actions will continue to be handled fairly and in strict compliance with extant rules and procedures, while soliciting public cooperation.