Board Dismisses 10 Immigration Officers, Penalizes 21

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has taken disciplinary action against 31 personnel of the Nigeria Immigration Service over varying degrees of professional misconduct.

This was disclosed in a statement released on Friday in Abuja by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration (ACI) Akinsola Akinlabi, who serves as the Service Public Relations Officer.

Akinlabi explained that the disciplinary decisions followed a review of recommendations presented by the Board’s Disciplinary and General-Purpose Committee (BDGPC), which convened on July 11, 2025.

He noted that the sanctions reflect the board’s firm commitment to promoting discipline, accountability, and integrity among officers within its agencies.

“Eight officers were dismissed for serious misconduct and violation of Service Regulations, while five others were compulsorily retired for offences bordering on misconduct.

“Additionally, eight officers were demoted by one rank, and five were issued written warning letters.

“The board also reviewed appeals by two dismissed officers but upheld their dismissal after finding no merit in their cases.

“However, one officer was reinstated following a successful appeal, while two others were exonerated of all charges,” he said.

In a separate case, Akinlabi reported that two junior officers were also dismissed after being found culpable of criminal conspiracy involving acts of stealing, unlawful possession of firearms, and kidnapping.

“Their dismissal followed internal disciplinary proceedings concluded on April 14 and September 4, 2025, respectively,” he stated.

According to Akinlabi, the entire process was carried out under the supervision of the Chairman of the CDCFIB and Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, alongside the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap.

He emphasized that the Service remains unwavering in its determination to uphold professionalism and ethical standards at all levels.

“The disciplinary actions will be implemented without fear or favour and in strict compliance with extant rules and regulations,” he assured.

Earlier in July, Comptroller-General Nandap had disclosed that the Service’s legal department was already handling disciplinary cases involving officers accused of issuing green passports to non-Nigerians.