The Bauchi State Police Command has announced the recovery of N784,000 from its officers who were found guilty of professional misconduct, including extortion. The Commissioner of Police, Auwal Mohammed, disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement that also highlighted the command’s 2024 performance.
Recovery and Accountability
According to the CP, the recovered funds have been returned to the victims of the extortion. He credited the work of the Complaint Response Unit, operating under the Police Public Relations Department, for investigating the cases and ensuring restitution.
“Our Complaint Response Unit has played a critical role in addressing public complaints against misconduct by our officers. Over the course of the year, we received 10 complaints, all of which were thoroughly investigated. This resulted in the recovery of N784,000 from the implicated officers, which was duly returned to the affected victims,” Mohammed stated.
Disciplinary Measures
In addition to recovering the funds, the command took disciplinary actions against 18 officers found guilty of various forms of professional misconduct. The measures included:
- Dismissal: One police constable was dismissed from the force.
- Rank Reduction: Four officers had their ranks reduced.
- Warning Letters: Six officers received official warnings.
- Reprimands: Four officers were formally reprimanded.
The CP emphasized that these actions reflect the command’s commitment to maintaining professional standards and fostering accountability within the police force.
“A total of 18 officers have undergone internal disciplinary measures, demonstrating our dedication to enforcing discipline and maintaining high operational standards. These actions aim to rebuild public trust and enhance service delivery,” the CP noted.
Commitment to Professionalism
The CP reiterated the command’s focus on holding officers accountable for their actions and building public confidence in the force. He assured residents of Bauchi State that the command is dedicated to delivering efficient and transparent policing services.
“We remain committed to ensuring that professional misconduct within our ranks is addressed promptly. These measures are necessary to restore trust and demonstrate our resolve to improve public service delivery,” Mohammed added.
Public Response
The announcement has been met with mixed reactions from the public. While some commend the police for addressing misconduct and compensating victims, others urge the command to intensify efforts to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place.
By implementing stricter oversight mechanisms and holding erring officers accountable, the Bauchi State Police Command aims to create a safer environment and a more trustworthy relationship with the public it serves.
