The Federal Government has dismissed three personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), including a Controller of Corrections, for various misconducts, including gross negligence of duty, absence without leave, trafficking in illicit items, general inefficiency, and falsification of results, among others.
According to a statement by Abubakar Umar, the NCoS spokesperson, the decision aims to uphold high standards of discipline and professionalism within the service. However, the name of the dismissed Controller was not disclosed.
Daily Trust reports that a letter issued by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) revealed that a total of 20 personnel were discharged and acquitted of various offences. One officer, previously suspended, was reinstated following a 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, aimed at purging the Service of unscrupulous elements and misfits to enhance professionalism and instill discipline, ethics, and excellence among its officers and men,” Umar stated.
He emphasised that the service is mandated to keep legally interned individuals in safe and humane conditions and to reform, rehabilitate, and reintegrate them into society as responsible citizens. To achieve these mandates, the Service must eliminate personnel involved in misconduct and unprofessional behaviour.
