The Federal Government has dismissed 15 personnel of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) and demoted 59 others for various acts of misconduct and indiscipline.

This was disclosed by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) under the Ministry of Interior, which reviewed 224 disciplinary cases involving correctional officers across the country.

According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the NCoS, Umar Abubakar, the decisions followed recommendations from the Board’s Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee (BDGPC), after thorough investigations and adherence to due process.

The move, authorities said, underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing discipline and accountability within the correctional system.

“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.

“A total of 15 personnel were dismissed from the Service for serious misconduct and violation of Service regulations.

“Additionally, 59 officers had their ranks reduced as a result of confirmed breaches of professional standards, while 42 personnel were issued written warning letters as a corrective measure,” Abubakar said in the statement.

He said the Board also exonerated 16 personnel who were found not guilty of the allegations made against them, stating that “seven Staff are currently on suspension to ascertain the levels of their involvement in a case under investigation”.

Abubakar said, “In one case, an officer was suspended from duty and recommended for handover to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution due to the gravity of the offence. 

“Furthermore, 8 personnel were compulsorily retired from the Service, and 1 officer had his rank reversed with a directive to refund all earnings received while wrongly holding the rank.”

He said the Board under the leadership of Hon. Minister of interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunde Ojo, reiterated its commitment to maintaining high ethical and professional standards across all cadres.

While soliciting the cooperation of the general public, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwacuhe, assured that disciplinary actions will continue to be handled with fairness in strict compliance with extant rules and procedures.