Usman Baba-Alkali, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), has ordered the sacking of nine police officers for allegedly leading a planned strike action.

In a police message obtained by FIJ and signed by the Commissioner of Police Provost, Force Headquarters, Abuja, on April 4, the police ordered the dismissal of two inspectors, five sergeants and two police constables.

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The officers, according to the message, were dismissed for “discreditable conduct, improper conduct, breach of confidence, to wit; planning, organising, coordinating industrial strike within the ranks of the Nigeria Police Force”.

The affected officers are AP/ NP 287568, Insp Amos Nagurah; AP/No. 245800, Insp Nanoll Lamak; F/No. 495378, Sgt Emmanuel Isah; F/No. 442680, Sgt Franklin Agughalu; F/No. 508168, Sgt Adesina Ismail; F/No. 271367, Sgt Onoja Onuche; F/No. 508282, Sgt Osoteku Ademola; F/No. 525839, Police Constable Ehighamhen Favour Ebele and F/No. 528222, Police Constable Ubong Inem.

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Rumours of a planned protest by officers in the police force was rife in March, but Muyiwa Adejobi, the acting police spokesperson, made several attempts to deny them.

“Good day, house. The broadcast or message of alleged strike action by policemen is fake, baseless, and mischievous. Be rest assured that the police can never embark on any strike. It’s never been a tool to express grievances or press home demands in the police circle, ” he tweeted on March 15.

“It is mutinous and thus condemnable and punishable. The police has been interacting with the relevant MDAs to implement the salary increment and other benefits for the police.”

“The president has approved an adequate sum of money to implement the increment as approved by the Federal Executive Council. So Nigerians are urged to disregard the fake news as we are committed to discharging our duties diligently for a safer Nigerian society.”

On March 19, Adejobi tweeted again. “We urge you not to drag the police into any personal issue you need to settle. Face your challenge and not link us to your game. No strike, and please pull down all your fake publications. It’s for the good of our nation. Ire oo.”

However, FIJ reported how Lagos police intended to squash the planned protest by asking all officers, except those on duty, to show up for general falling on the day of the planned protest.

“Any disobedience will be treated as the officer is a supporter of the planned strike by some members of the force and will attract severe disciplinary action,” Mopol 23 Federal Headquarters Annex, Lagos, said in a wireless message dated March 22 and obtained by FIJ.