In a sweeping move to reinforce discipline and uphold professionalism within the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has dismissed 15 personnel and sanctioned 216 others in a sweeping disciplinary exercise.
The action, which followed exhaustive investigations and recommendations from the board’s Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee (BDGPC), was aimed at sanitising the system and restoring public confidence in it.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Nigerian Correctional Service’s public relations officer, deputy controller of Correction Umar Abubakar.
According to the statement, the board approved a range of disciplinary measures after meticulous due process was observed, with deliberations on 231 disciplinary cases considered by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).
According to the statement, the Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee (BDGPC) brought the cases before the Board after thorough investigations and due process.
The statement states that out of the 231 cases reviewed, 15 personnel were dismissed for serious misconduct and violation of Service regulations, while 59 officers had their ranks reduced due to breaches of professional standards.
The statement further revealed that 42 personnel received written warning letters as corrective measures, while 16 officers were exonerated after being found not guilty.
However, seven (7) staff members were suspended pending the outcome of ongoing investigations.
The statement added, “In a particularly grave case, one officer was suspended from duty and recommended for handover to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for prosecution, underlining the Board’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and financial impropriety.
Additionally, the statement revealed that eight (8) personnel were compulsorily retired, while one officer’s rank was reversed, with an order to refund all earnings received when he wrongfully held the rank.
The statement reads: “The Board, under the leadership of the minister of interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunde Ojo, reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to ethical excellence and professional integrity across all ranks of the service.
It further stated, “Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwacuhe, assured the public that all disciplinary measures are implemented with fairness and in strict compliance with established rules and procedures, while urging continued cooperation from the general public.
“The Ministry of Interior and the Nigerian Correctional Service, through this decisive step, are signalling a new era of accountability and discipline, as it continues to reposition itself as a credible and professional institution. The statement concluded
