Police Service Commission: Officers Warned Against Involvement in Civil Disputes, Promotion at Risk.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) has issued a stern warning to serving police officers against involvement in civil matters such as land, rent, and marital disputes. According to the Chairman of the PSC, retired Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Hashimu Argungu, officers found engaging in these non-criminal disputes will face sanctions, including suspension of their promotions.
DIG Argungu emphasized that police involvement in civil disputes undermines the authority of the civil courts and represents a serious abuse of office. He stated that the PSC would no longer tolerate such behavior from officers, reaffirming that the role of the police should be strictly limited to criminal matters. “Police officers must stay clear of civil matters and allow the civil courts to do their duty,” he said during a meeting with a delegation from the Justice Research Institute, led by Mr. Ade Ipaye.
Commitment to Transparency and Accountability in the Police Service Commission
DIG Argungu also reiterated his commitment to transparency and integrity in the Police Service Commission, declaring that he would ensure all funds received and spent by the Commission are fully accounted for. “I will never spare thieves wherever I am,” he asserted. “We are here to assist the government in the fight against corruption.”
The PSC Chairman further stressed the importance of strong leadership and personal accountability, stating, “I come to work before 8 am and I am the last person to leave the office. That is leadership. My mandate is not to embezzle money; I must ensure transparency and openness, and I will fight to the last.”
Collaboration with the Justice Research Institute and Recruitment Oversight
During the meeting, Mr. Ade Ipaye of the Justice Research Institute expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with the PSC, especially in the areas of training and capacity-building for staff. He praised DIG Argungu’s dedication to fighting corruption and promoting transparency in government, which he noted is often lacking. “We are here to help drive the Commission’s constitutional mandate to improve the workings of the Nigeria Police Force,” Ipaye said, pledging to provide local and international training opportunities for PSC staff.
The PSC Chairman also announced the establishment of a Joint Oversight for Recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force, which will be overseen by both the PSC and the Inspector General of Police. This new initiative aims to ensure a seamless and transparent recruitment process. Additionally, a Police Recruitment Secretariat has been set up at the Commission’s headquarters to serve as a central hub for coordinating all recruitment activities, ensuring clear communication, documentation, and efficiency.
Conclusion
With these measures in place, the PSC is taking significant steps to strengthen the integrity and effectiveness of Nigeria’s police force. From ensuring officers remain focused on their primary duties in criminal matters to improving the recruitment process, the Commission is committed to fostering accountability and transparency at every level.
