The Minister of Police Affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, has inaugurated an 11-member committee to review the dismissal and suspension of cadets at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano.
The committee, which includes key stakeholders from the Police Service Commission (PSC), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and other federal agencies, was inaugurated at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The decision to set up the committee follows numerous appeals from affected cadets and their parents or guardians over disciplinary actions taken against the students.
These actions include suspensions and dismissals for offenses such as smoking Indian hemp, consuming alcohol, and vandalism.
In his remarks, Gaidam emphasized the importance of a thorough and fair investigation, urging the committee to approach the matter with diligence and integrity.
“The recent incidents are a cause for concern but also an opportunity for reflection and improvement. Our mission is clear: to produce disciplined, well-trained, and professional police officers who not only understand the law but embody it in their actions,” he stated.
The Minister stressed that the review aims to uphold the integrity of the Nigeria Police Academy and ensure it remains a reputable institution for training future leaders of the police force.
He added that the integrity of the academy directly impacts the overall image of policing in Nigeria.
The committee, chaired by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Yusuf Abubakar Argungu, includes representatives from the Federal Civil Service Commission, the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, and senior officials from various departments within the Ministry of Police Affairs.
Argungu acknowledged the numerous appeals received by the Ministry, stating that the committee’s task is to ensure fairness and justice while preserving the academy’s high standards.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials, including the Registrar of the Nigeria Police Academy, Dr. Ekpere F. Ezengwu, and other representatives from the Police Service Commission and Ministry of Police Affairs.
The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations to the Ministry in due course.
LV