The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the dismissal of three senior police officers and the demotion of 16 others over various cases of misconduct, as the commission intensifies disciplinary measures within the Nigeria Police Force.

The commission also approved severe reprimands for 21 officers and ordinary reprimands for two others, bringing the total number of officers sanctioned to 42.

However, three officers were exonerated after investigations into allegations against them, while some previously suspended officers were reinstated into the Force.

The decisions were reached at the commission’s plenary meeting held in Abuja.

The meeting was presided over by Hashimu Argungu, Chairman of the PSC and retired deputy inspector-general of police.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, by Torty Njoku Kalu, Head of Protocol and Public Relations at the commission, said the disciplinary actions followed established cases of serious misconduct and conduct unbecoming of officers of the law.

The commission reiterated its commitment to enforcing discipline within the police force, stressing that it would not tolerate corruption, human rights abuses, interference in land disputes and civil matters, or other forms of professional misconduct by police personnel.

Argungu assured Nigerians that the commission would sustain efforts to ensure the speedy determination of disciplinary cases brought before it.

He said the commission remained committed to strengthening accountability and professional standards within the police, while ensuring that officers found culpable of misconduct faced appropriate sanctions.

The PSC chairman also commended members of the commission’s Standing Committee on Discipline and Legal Matters for their contributions to the consideration of disciplinary cases and appeals.

Those commended included Paul Adamu Galumje, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and chairman of the standing committee; Taiwo Lakanu, retired deputy inspector-general of police; Christine Dabup, retired judge of the High Court; and Abdulfatah Mohammed.

Others were Onyemuche Nnamani, secretary to the commission, and Ferdinand U. Ekpe, director of the Police Discipline Department.

Argungu acknowledged their dedication and commitment throughout the departmental, committee and plenary stages of reviewing the disciplinary cases and appeals.