The Federal Government has dismissed 15 personnel of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) and demoted 59 others for various acts of misconduct and indiscipline, as part of a renewed effort to enforce discipline and accountability within the Service.

This was made known in a statement on Thursday by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) under the Federal Ministry of Interior, following a review of 224 disciplinary cases involving correctional officers nationwide.

According to the NCoS Public Relations Officer, Umar Abubakar, the decisions were based on recommendations of the Board’s Disciplinary and General Purpose Committee (BDGPC), which carried out extensive investigations in accordance with due process.

 “A total of 15 personnel were dismissed from the Service for serious misconduct and violation of Service regulations. Additionally, 59 officers had their ranks reduced as a result of confirmed breaches of professional standards,” the statement read.

Other disciplinary measures included: 42 officers issued written warning letters as corrective measures, 8 personnel compulsorily retired from the Service, 

1 officer had their rank reversed and was directed to refund all earnings obtained while holding the rank unlawfully, 1 officer suspended and recommended for handover to the EFCC for prosecution due to the severity of the offence, and 

7 personnel placed on suspension pending conclusion of ongoing investigations.

Abubakar added that 16 personnel were exonerated after being found not guilty of allegations levelled against them.

The disciplinary actions, according to the statement, reflect the government’s zero-tolerance policy on indiscipline, corruption, and professional misconduct within the NCoS.

The Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Nwacuhe, assured that all disciplinary processes will continue to be carried out fairly and in strict compliance with existing rules.

The Board, led by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunde Ojo, reiterated its resolve to uphold high ethical and professional standards across all cadres of the Service, and urged the general public to support ongoing reforms within Nigeria’s correctional institutions.