The Police Service Commission has reminded officers of the Nigeria Police Force to operate strictly within the confines of the law, especially during arrests and detentions.

The Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Argungu (retd.), gave the caution in Abuja while hosting a delegation from the Kimpact Development Initiative on a courtesy visit.

Argungu noted that compared with many European and African countries, Nigeria’s Public Order Act is relatively liberal, particularly regarding public gatherings. He, however, said the protection of rights must go hand in hand with respect for established rules.

According to a statement by Ikechukwu Ani, the Head of Press and Public Relations of the Commission, the visiting team was led by Olufemi Adebayo, Head of Research and Strategy at Kimpact. The visit focused on exploring ways to support the proper implementation of national laws and regulations.

Argungu observed that some activists advocating respect for human rights often end up violating those same rights in their conduct. He emphasised that rights are accompanied by responsibilities and boundaries that all citizens must adhere to.

“You have rights, but there are rules that define their application,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PSC chairman also received another delegation from Nigeria Connect, which pledged support in providing literature and materials to enhance the professional development of the Commission and the Nigeria Police.

In other news, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has reinstated several officers earlier disciplined by the Nigeria Police Force after reviewing several pending and concluded cases.

No fewer than 24 appeals and one pending disciplinary matter were deliberated upon during the commission’s plenary session.

In a recent statement, PSC spokesperson Ikechukwu Ani said the decisions were driven by the need to uphold fairness and justice in the administration of police discipline.

Among those reinstated was Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ejiofor Grace Obiageli, who had been compulsorily retired following an incident on September 8, 2023, at Old Netim Division, Akamkpa, Cross River State.

“The Commission approved her reinstatement from the date of her compulsory retirement and to be properly placed so as to be at par with her mates,” Ani said.

Also freed from disciplinary action was ACP Muhammad Awwal Yunusa, whose punishment of severe reprimand was lifted. Chief Superintendent of Police, Ihekandu Allwell Okwuonu, also had his rank restored and was reinstated, subject to his retirement date.

Ani added that petitions against Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Bzigu Dali, were dismissed after the allegations of falsified records were deemed frivolous. The PSC, he said, declared the warning letter issued to the officer null and void and quashed the reversal of his date of birth.

The PSC Chairman, retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, assured that the commission would continue to prioritise justice and fairness in handling disciplinary cases.