In a landmark move to ensure accountability and transparency within the Nigerian Police Force, the Police Disciplinary Committee has announced plans to recommend that officers found guilty of falsifying their ages be required to return all salaries and allowances they received after their official retirement dates.
The committee’s decision comes after a thorough investigation revealed several cases of officers manipulating their birth dates in order to extend their service years and continue collecting benefits they were no longer entitled to. These actions not only violated ethical guidelines but also diverted public funds meant for serving officers.
According to a statement released by the committee, the recommendation is based on the need to uphold the integrity of the Police Force and deter future misconduct. The committee emphasized that officers who are found guilty of age falsification will be mandated to refund all funds collected after their legal retirement age, including salaries, allowances, and pensions.
The move is expected to affect a significant number of retired officers whose years of service were extended based on fraudulent claims of younger age. The committee also announced that it will pursue further reforms aimed at ensuring the proper verification of all personal records within the force, preventing similar incidents in the future.
The Nigerian Police leadership has expressed support for the committee’s decision, noting that it aligns with ongoing efforts to improve the professionalism of the force and address longstanding issues related to corruption and misconduct. The Ministry of Police Affairs has pledged to work closely with the committee to ensure the full implementation of this recommendation.
“This is an important step in ensuring that the Nigerian Police Force remains a trusted institution, focused on serving the public and upholding the law with integrity,” said the Inspector-General of Police, who welcomed the committee’s initiative.