Correctional Service Board Fires 15 Officers, Demotes 59 Over Disciplinary Breaches

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has approved major disciplinary actions against personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service, leading to the dismissal of 15 officers and demotion of 59 others.

The decisions were reached after the Board concluded deliberations on 231 disciplinary cases brought before it by the Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee (BDGPC), following what it described as “extensive investigations and due process.”

“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,” said Umar Abubakar, Deputy Controller of Corrections and Public Relations Officer, in a statement issued Tuesday.

Beyond the dismissals and demotions, the statement revealed that 42 officers were issued written warnings, while eight others were compulsorily retired from service. One officer had their rank reversed and was ordered to return all financial benefits received while holding the rank improperly.

The statement further disclosed that 16 officers were exonerated after being found not guilty of the allegations against them. Meanwhile, seven others remain on suspension pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.

“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,” the statement added.

The CDCFIB, chaired by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunde Ojo, reiterated its resolve to uphold ethical conduct and professional standards across all levels of the Correctional Service.

Commenting on the disciplinary exercise, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwacuhe, assured Nigerians that the Service would continue to address all cases of misconduct with fairness and full compliance with established rules and procedures.