Nigeria Police Begins Probe of 167 Senior Officers Over Misconduct

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced the sitting of its internal disciplinary panel to review pending cases involving 167 senior officers over alleged professional misconduct and related offences, in a move aimed at strengthening accountability within the institution.

The exercise, currently underway at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, was confirmed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, who described it as part of ongoing reforms to enforce discipline and uphold professional standards across the Force.

According to him, the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC)—a key internal mechanism of the police—is responsible for reviewing cases involving officers from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and above. The committee is mandated to ensure a thorough, transparent, and fair hearing process, in line with existing laws and regulations, before forwarding its recommendations to the Police Service Commission for final decisions.

Placid noted that the large number of officers facing review underscores the Force’s renewed determination to address issues of misconduct, ethical violations, abuse of office, and breaches of professional codes that have, in recent years, drawn public criticism.

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He added that the process is not only punitive but also corrective, designed to reinforce discipline and restore confidence in policing institutions. Observers say cases typically handled by the committee may include allegations ranging from dereliction of duty and improper conduct to corruption-related infractions and violations of operational procedures.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to discipline, integrity, and professionalism, stressing that no officer found guilty would be shielded from due process.

He emphasized that the disciplinary exercise forms part of broader institutional reforms targeted at:

• Strengthening internal control systems
• Promoting ethical behaviour among senior officers
• Enhancing operational accountability
• Rebuilding public trust in the police

Security analysts describe the review of 167 senior officers simultaneously as one of the most significant internal disciplinary actions in recent times, signaling a more aggressive approach by the police leadership toward internal cleansing and reform.

At the conclusion of the proceedings, affected officers may face a range of sanctions depending on the severity of findings. These could include warnings, suspension, demotion, compulsory retirement, or dismissal, subject to approval by the Police Service Commission.

The development comes amid sustained calls from civil society groups and the public for improved professionalism, transparency, and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in light of past concerns over misconduct and abuse of authority.

Authorities say the outcome of the committee’s deliberations will play a crucial role in shaping public perception of ongoing police reforms and the credibility of efforts to reposition the Force as a more accountable and service-driven institution.

Nigeria Police Begins Probe of 167 Senior Officers Over Misconduct

Grand Chief Imam Visits DSS Director, Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration in Oyo

The Grand Chief Imam of Oyo Land, Sheikh Al-Imam Barrister Bilal Husayn Akinola Akeugberu, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Oyo State, Mr. Usman Biu, as part of efforts to deepen cooperation between religious leaders and security agencies.

The visit, which took place in Oyo State, focused on strengthening the existing relationship between the Muslim community and security institutions, with an emphasis on promoting peace, unity, and public safety.

Accompanying the Grand Imam was Mallam Ibrahim Agunbiade, a prominent member of the Oyo State Muslim community.

Speaking during the engagement, Sheikh Akeugberu stressed the need for sustained collaboration between religious authorities and security agencies in maintaining societal stability and addressing emerging security threats. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Muslim community in Oyo Land to support lawful authorities in ensuring peace and harmony across the state.

In his remarks, DSS Director Usman Biu expressed appreciation for the visit and lauded the leadership role of the Grand Chief Imam in fostering unity and peaceful coexistence. He assured the delegation of the DSS’s continued resolve to protect lives and property, while encouraging ongoing dialogue with community stakeholders.

The meeting is seen as a step toward enhancing synergy between religious institutions and security agencies in Oyo State, amid growing calls for community-based approaches to tackling security challenges.

Grand Chief Imam Visits DSS Director, Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration in Oyo

FG Disburses ₦9.9bn Cash Transfer to Vulnerable Households in Ondo

The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has disbursed about ₦9.9 billion in direct cash transfers to poor and vulnerable households in Ondo State as part of its expanded social protection and poverty reduction programme.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Mr Bernard Doro, disclosed this during a working visit to Akure, where he met with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa as part of a nationwide assessment of the Renewed Hope social intervention initiatives.

According to the minister, the cash transfer programme is implemented under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to provide direct financial support to the poorest households and strengthen social welfare systems across Nigeria.

He explained that beneficiaries under the Household Prosperity and Cash Transfer Programme receive ₦75,000 in three tranches, with more than nine million households benefiting nationwide since the rollout began.

Doro stated that Ondo State alone has received “about ₦9.9 billion across successive payment cycles,” covering initial, second, and ongoing phases of the national disbursement programme.

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He added that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to poverty alleviation in Nigeria, social inclusion, and targeted welfare delivery aimed at reducing economic hardship among vulnerable citizens.

However, the minister raised concerns about low awareness among some beneficiaries, stressing the need for improved grassroots sensitisation to ensure eligible citizens fully understand and access the programme.

He noted that the federal government is currently conducting verification exercises across states, including Ondo, to confirm beneficiaries, validate data, and strengthen transparency in the distribution process.

Doro further explained that the ongoing engagement also serves as a data validation exercise, aimed at improving accountability, enhancing targeting, and reducing inclusion errors in future welfare programmes.

In his remarks, Governor Aiyedatiwa disclosed that Ondo State has recorded about 396,671 beneficiary households across the different payment cycles, describing the programme as one of the largest social intervention efforts in the state.

The governor commended the Tinubu administration for prioritising direct cash support to vulnerable citizens, noting that the initiative has helped cushion the effects of economic challenges at the grassroots level.

He also urged relevant agencies to address challenges linked to National Identification Number (NIN) registration, which he said has affected seamless access to some federal support schemes.

Earlier, at a stakeholders’ meeting in Ibule, Ifedore Local Government Area, the minister said the Federal Government is working on a redesigned national social protection framework to improve efficiency and impact.

He emphasised that stronger community engagement is essential for future interventions to reflect real needs, adding that stakeholder participation remains key to improving delivery of federal cash transfer programmes in Nigeria.

FG Disburses ₦9.9bn Cash Transfer to Vulnerable Households in Ondo