The Bauchi State Police Command has announced the recovery of N784,000 from officers found guilty of misconduct, with the funds returned to victims of extortion. The disclosure was made by the Commissioner of Police, Auwal Mohammed, in a statement highlighting the command’s performance in 2024.

Handling Public Complaints

The Commissioner noted that the command’s Complaint Response Unit, operating under the Police Public Relations Department, played a pivotal role in addressing misconduct. Over the course of the year, the unit received and thoroughly investigated 10 complaints from the public.

“Our Complaint Response Unit has been instrumental in tackling misconduct among our officers. As a result of our investigations, we recovered N784,000 from implicated officers and returned the money to the victims,” said Mohammed.

Disciplinary Actions Against Officers

In a bid to maintain accountability and enforce discipline, the command subjected 18 officers to internal disciplinary measures. According to the Commissioner, the actions taken include:

• Dismissal: One police constable was dismissed for gross misconduct.
• Rank Reductions: Four officers had their ranks reduced.
• Warning Letters: Six officers received official warning letters.
• Reprimands: Four officers were reprimanded for their actions.

These measures reflect the command’s commitment to fostering professionalism and upholding operational standards.

Building Public Trust

The Commissioner emphasized that the command remains dedicated to ensuring accountability within its ranks as a means to strengthen public trust and improve service delivery.

“A total of 18 officers have undergone disciplinary measures, showcasing our dedication to maintaining high operational standards. These actions underscore our resolve to address professional misconduct and enhance the relationship between the police and the public,” the statement read.

Reinforcing Accountability

The proactive steps taken by the Bauchi State Police Command highlight the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address misconduct and improve transparency. By returning recovered funds to victims and holding officers accountable, the command aims to rebuild public confidence and ensure ethical service delivery within the force.