Police dismiss 3 officers for unprofessional conduct
Three police officers from the Special Protection Unit (SPU) Base 1 in Kano, Nigeria have been dismissed for high-handedness, unprofessional conduct, and misuse of firearms, according to a press release from the Nigeria Police Force.
The officers, identified as Inspr. Dahiru Shuaibu, Sgt. Abdullahi Badamasi, and Sgt. Isah Danladi, were attached to a musician in Kano on escort duties.
This was contained in a statement by Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
According to him, on April 7, 2023, video evidence widely circulated on social media showed the officers repeatedly firing shots from their official firearms into the air at Kahutu Village, Katsina State, despite police policy against firing in the air, standard operating procedure, and relevant Force Orders.
The act Adejobi said, “posed a possible risk to the crowd at the location, including children”.
“Following complaints and findings on the video evidence, the Force Provost Marshal conducted a follow-up orderly room trial of the affected policemen and found them guilty of discreditable conduct. They were dismissed for offences including misuse of firearms, abuse of power, gross indiscipline, and wastage of live ammunition.
“The act was not only criminal and unprofessional but also embarrassing to the Force and the nation at large.
“The Nigeria Police Force has warned all officers to carry out their duties in line with the extant laws to avoid running foul of its provisions and attracting attendant sanctions. “Supervising officers have also been tasked to ensure continuous and detailed lectures of their men to ensure they are well acquainted with all necessary standard operating procedures,” Adejobi added.
The dismissal of the three officers sends a message that the Nigeria Police Force is committed to ensuring that its officers are held accountable for their actions.
“The Force hopes that the dismissal will serve as a deterrent to other officers who might engage in unprofessional conduct and misuse of firearms while on duty,” Adejobi said.
