Nigerian Correctional Service Takes Firm Action Against Misconduct, Dismisses Senior Officers

 The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has dismissed four personnel, including a senior officer at the level of Controller of Corrections, to maintain high standards of discipline and professionalism within the Service.

Service Spokesman ACC Abubakar Umar stated that the NCoS reviewed cases of unprofessional conduct, wrongdoing, improper behaviour, and serious misconduct among its personnel. As a result, three staff members, including a Controller of Corrections, were dismissed for offences such as gross negligence of duty, absence without leave, trafficking illicit items, general inefficiency, and falsification of results.

In a statement, the federal agency explained:

"In a letter issued by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), 20 personnel were discharged and acquitted of the various offences they were accused of, while one officer who was previously suspended was reinstated after the review exercise.

Additionally, three personnel were compulsorily retired, six had their ranks reduced, and 13 received either verbal or plain warnings.

These sanctions align with the zero-tolerance policy on staff misconduct, a core principle of Controller General of Corrections Haliru Nababa FICMC, MFR, mni. This policy aims to eliminate unscrupulous elements and misfits from the Service to improve professionalism and instill discipline, ethics, and excellence in its officers and men.

The Service has the critical mandate of safely and humanely keeping custody of legally interned individuals, as well as reforming, rehabilitating, and reintegrating them back into society as responsible citizens. To achieve these mandates, the Service ensures it removes bad eggs and unprofessionalism that may hinder the achievement of these important national goals.

The Service reassures the public of its commitment to securing all custodial and non-custodial facilities and fostering true correctional practices in line with international standards. The public is also encouraged to support the Nigerian Correctional Service in its efforts towards effective offender management to promote public safety and national security."