Nigerian Police Force Implements Key Postings And Disciplinary Measures

Significant structural reforms have been initiated by the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), involving major personnel changes and strict disciplinary actions aimed at addressing misconduct within its ranks. These measures are part of the ongoing drive to enhance leadership, promote accountability, and improve the professionalism of the force.

Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun announced the redeployment of four senior officers to critical positions across the country. Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Suleiman M. Yusuf has been posted to Zone 9 in Umuahia, AIG Ahmed Ammani to Zone 1 in Kano, AIG Zachariah Fera to Zone 4 in Makurdi, and AIG Augustina N. Ogbodo to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex in Alagbon, Lagos. This reshuffling follows the retirement of several AIGs and the promotion of DIG Ari Muhammed Ali to Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), overseeing the Department of Operations at Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Egbetokun tasked the newly posted AIGs with ensuring effective supervision and maintaining order in their respective zones. He called on them to demonstrate ethical leadership, address misconduct decisively, and reinforce public confidence in the police. The reforms align with broader objectives to uphold the force’s integrity and improve operational standards.

In a parallel move, the Police Service Commission (PSC) concluded a thorough review of 109 disciplinary cases during its plenary session in Abuja, resulting in the dismissal of 19 senior officers. Among those dismissed were 10 Assistant Superintendents, six Deputy Superintendents, two Chief Superintendents, and one Superintendent. Another 19 officers were demoted, including an Assistant Commissioner of Police, one Chief Superintendent, two Superintendents, two Deputy Superintendents, and thirteen Assistant Superintendents.

The PSC imposed additional penalties on officers found guilty of negligence or disobedience to lawful instructions, including severe reprimands and warnings. Notably, two Assistant Inspectors General were disciplined, with one receiving a reprimand and the other a formal warning.

Ikechukwu Ani, the Commission’s Head of Press and Public Relations, revealed that most dismissed officers are slated for prosecution by the NPF’s Legal Unit. Three cases were deferred for further investigation, while several promotion recommendations were approved and forwarded to the Inspector-General of Police for implementation.