In a sweeping disciplinary action aimed at restoring public trust and professional integrity, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has dismissed 15 personnel from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) and sanctioned 216 others for various offenses.
The action follows a comprehensive review of 231 disciplinary cases conducted by the Board’s Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee. According to a statement issued by NCoS Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, the exercise is part of an ongoing effort to “sanitise the system” and ensure accountability within the Service.
The breakdown of the disciplinary measures is as follows:
- 15 personnel were dismissed for serious misconduct and violations of Service regulations.
- 59 officers had their ranks reduced due to breaches of professional standards.
- 42 personnel received official warning letters.
- 8 officers were compulsorily retired.
- 1 officer had a previously granted rank reversed and was ordered to refund earnings from the wrongful promotion.
- 7 staff members were suspended pending further investigations.
1 officer was suspended and recommended for prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over financial impropriety.
- 16 officers were exonerated after being found not guilty.
The Board, chaired by Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunde Ojo, reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline and restated its commitment to enforcing ethical conduct across all paramilitary agencies under its supervision.
In a related statement, the Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwacuhe, assured the public that the disciplinary actions were carried out fairly and in strict compliance with due process and established regulations.