Comprehensive List of Disciplinary Offences in the Nigeria Police Force
Principal Legal Sources
Disciplinary offences are found principally in:
- Nigeria Police Act, 2020
- Police Regulations (made under the Police Act)
- Code of Conduct for Police Officers
- Force Orders and Administrative Instructions
- Public Service Rules (as applicable to police personnel)
- Relevant criminal laws where the conduct also constitutes a crime.
An act may amount to both a disciplinary offence and a criminal offence.
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A. OFFENCES RELATING TO OBEDIENCE, DISCIPLINE AND COMMAND
1. Disobedience to lawful order.
2. Wilful refusal to obey superior officer.
3. Insubordination.
4. Disrespect to superior officer.
5. Insolence to superior officer.
6. Use of abusive or insulting language to superior.
7. Contemptuous conduct toward superior.
8. Failure to carry out lawful instruction.
9. Delay in executing lawful order.
10. Neglect of command responsibility.
11. Failure to supervise subordinates properly.
12. Failure to report misconduct of subordinate.
13. Encouraging disobedience among officers.
14. Mutinous conduct.
15. Participation in collective insubordination.
16. Incitement against lawful authority.
17. Disorderly conduct prejudicial to discipline.
18. Conduct subversive of discipline.
19. Breach of standing orders.
20. Breach of Force Orders.
21. Breach of departmental instructions.
22. Failure to attend parade when ordered.
23. Failure to attend briefing when ordered.
24. Leaving parade without permission.
25. Failure to salute where required.
26. Improper bearing toward superior officer.
27. Public quarrel with another officer.
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B. ABSENCE, DUTY AND ATTENDANCE OFFENCES
28. Absence from duty without leave (AWOL).
29. Desertion from duty.
30. Failure to report for duty.
31. Failure to resume duty after leave.
32. Late attendance on duty.
33. Habitual lateness.
34. Leaving duty post without authority.
35. Sleeping on duty.
36. Idling while on duty.
37. Abandonment of duty post.
38. Failure to remain on duty until properly relieved.
39. Failure to perform assigned duty.
40. Neglect of duty.
41. Careless performance of duty.
42. Inefficient performance of duty.
43. Failure to attend orderly room when summoned.
44. Failure to attend court when detailed.
45. Failure to attend training when ordered.
46. Failure to attend official inquiry.
47. Failure to make required duty report.
48. Failure to keep occurrence book entries.
49. Failure to hand over duty properly.
50. Failure to patrol as directed.
51. Failure to escort as directed.
52. Failure to maintain guard duty properly.
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C. OFFENCES RELATING TO HONESTY, INTEGRITY AND CORRUPTION
53. Corrupt practice.
54. Acceptance of bribe.
55. Solicitation of bribe.
56. Extortion.
57. Illegal collection of money.
58. Demand for gratification.
59. Receiving gratification from suspect.
60. Receiving gratification from complainant.
61. Receiving gratification from prisoner.
62. Receiving gratification from traffic offender.
63. Sharing proceeds of illegal collection.
64. Misappropriation of public funds.
65. Embezzlement.
66. Theft of government property.
67. Theft of exhibit.
68. Theft of recovered property.
69. Conversion of exhibit to personal use.
70. Conversion of government property to personal use.
71. Fraud.
72. Forgery.
73. Falsification of records.
74. Falsification of duty return.
75. False accounting.
76. False claim.
77. False receipt.
78. False travel claim.
79. False overtime claim.
80. False witness statement.
81. Fabrication of evidence.
82. Suppression of evidence.
83. Destruction of evidence.
84. Tampering with exhibit.
85. Unlawful release of exhibit.
86. Unlawful release of property.
87. Concealment of offence.
88. Connivance with offender.
89. Aiding escape of suspect.
90. Aiding escape of prisoner.
91. Receiving stolen property.
92. Unlawful enrichment.
93. Conflict of interest.
94. Using office for personal gain.
95. Abuse of official position.
96. Improper influence in investigation.
97. Improper interference with prosecution.
98. Improper interference with disciplinary proceedings.
99. Acceptance of unauthorized gift.
100. Acceptance of hospitality likely to influence duty.
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D. OFFENCES RELATING TO TRUTHFULNESS AND REPORTING
101. Making false statement.
102. Giving false information to superior.
103. False official report.
104. False crime report.
105. False arrest report.
106. False detention record.
107. False bail record.
108. False station diary entry.
109. False movement entry.
110. False firearm return.
111. False ammunition return.
112. False attendance register entry.
113. False medical claim.
114. False declaration in official form.
115. Deliberate omission of material fact in report.
116. Misleading superior officer.
117. Withholding information relevant to duty.
118. Failure to report crime received.
119. Failure to report serious incident.
120. Failure to report loss of government property.
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E. OFFENCES RELATING TO USE OF FORCE, ARREST, DETENTION AND HUMAN RIGHTS
121. Unlawful arrest.
122. Arrest without lawful justification.
123. Illegal detention.
124. Detention beyond lawful period.
125. Failure to grant bail where entitled.
126. Demand for money before granting bail.
127. Torture.
128. Cruel treatment.
129. Inhuman treatment.
130. Degrading treatment.
131. Assault on suspect.
132. Assault on detainee.
133. Assault on member of public.
134. Excessive use of force.
135. Unnecessary use of force.
136. Unlawful use of firearm.
137. Reckless discharge of firearm.
138. Negligent discharge of firearm.
139. Failure to safeguard detainee.
140. Failure to provide medical attention to detainee.
141. Failure to record arrest properly.
142. Failure to record detention properly.
143. Failure to respect constitutional rights.
144. Illegal search.
145. Illegal seizure.
146. Unlawful confiscation of property.
147. Intimidation of complainant.
148. Intimidation of witness.
149. Harassment of citizen.
150. Oppressive conduct in execution of duty.
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F. OFFENCES RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT AND INVESTIGATION
151. Negligent investigation.
152. Failure to investigate complaint.
153. Improper investigation.
154. Bias in investigation.
155. Delay in investigation without cause.
156. Failure to forward case file.
157. Loss of case file.
158. Unauthorized withdrawal of case file.
159. Failure to execute warrant.
160. Improper service of process.
161. Failure to preserve crime scene.
162. Failure to keep exhibit register.
163. Improper handling of exhibit.
164. Failure to attend identification parade properly.
165. Coaching witness improperly.
166. Compromising criminal case.
167. Unauthorized settlement of criminal case.
168. Mediation of criminal matter for gain.
169. Disclosure of confidential investigation.
170. Leakage of official information.
171. Communication with accused person improperly.
172. Communication with witness improperly.
173. Conduct likely to prejudice trial.
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G. OFFENCES RELATING TO PROPERTY, STORES, ARMS AND EQUIPMENT
174. Loss of government property through negligence.
175. Damage to government property through negligence.
176. Failure to account for stores.
177. Unauthorized use of government vehicle.
178. Misuse of police vehicle.
179. Unauthorized passenger in police vehicle.
180. Unauthorized use of government fuel.
181. Loss of firearm through negligence.
182. Loss of ammunition through negligence.
183. Failure to secure firearm properly.
184. Failure to secure ammunition properly.
185. Unauthorized possession of firearm.
186. Unauthorized possession of ammunition.
187. Lending firearm without authority.
188. Borrowing firearm without authority.
189. Carrying firearm while unfit.
190. Carrying firearm while intoxicated.
191. Improper maintenance of firearm.
192. Failure to return firearm when required.
193. Failure to report loss of firearm immediately.
194. Failure to report loss of ammunition immediately.
195. Unauthorized alteration of government equipment.
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H. OFFENCES RELATING TO UNIFORM, APPEARANCE AND DEPORTMENT
196. Appearing on duty improperly dressed.
197. Wearing unauthorized uniform.
198. Wearing unauthorized accoutrement.
199. Wearing uniform while engaging in prohibited activity.
200. Wearing uniform in a manner bringing discredit on the Force.
201. Dirty or untidy uniform.
202. Neglect of personal cleanliness.
203. Improper haircut contrary to regulations.
204. Wearing unauthorized ornament while on duty.
205. Wearing rank insignia not entitled to.
206. Impersonation of higher rank.
207. Improper turnout on parade.
208. Slovenly appearance.
209. Tattoo or appearance contrary to regulations where prohibited.
210. Wearing uniform after dismissal or removal.
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I. OFFENCES RELATING TO ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND FITNESS FOR DUTY
211. Drunkenness on duty.
212. Drunkenness in uniform.
213. Reporting for duty under influence of alcohol.
214. Consumption of alcohol while on duty.
215. Use of prohibited drugs.
216. Possession of prohibited drugs.
217. Reporting for duty under influence of drugs.
218. Refusal to undergo lawful medical or drug test.
219. Habitual drunkenness affecting efficiency.
220. Conduct rendering officer unfit for duty.
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J. OFFENCES RELATING TO PUBLIC CONDUCT AND REPUTATION OF THE FORCE
221. Conduct unbecoming a police officer.
222. Scandalous conduct.
223. Indecent conduct.
224. Immoral conduct.
225. Fighting in public.
226. Disorderly behaviour in public.
227. Use of abusive language in public.
228. Conduct bringing discredit on the Force.
229. Association with known criminals.
230. Frequenting criminal hideouts.
231. Participation in unlawful society.
232. Participation in secret cult prohibited by law.
233. Participation in unlawful assembly.
234. Conduct likely to undermine public confidence in the Police.
235. Publication of offensive material affecting the Force.
236. Defamatory attack on the Force contrary to regulations.
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K. OFFENCES RELATING TO COMMUNICATIONS, MEDIA AND CONFIDENTIALITY
237. Unauthorized communication with the press.
238. Unauthorized media interview.
239. Unauthorized publication of official information.
240. Disclosure of classified information.
241. Disclosure of operational information.
242. Disclosure of personnel records.
243. Disclosure of investigation details without authority.
244. Unauthorized use of police communication equipment.
245. Improper use of official social media account.
246. Posting confidential information on social media.
247. Recording official proceedings without authority.
248. Circulating official documents without authority.
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L. OFFENCES RELATING TO FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND DEBTS
249. Failure to account for public money.
250. Irregular handling of cash.
251. Unauthorized retention of public money.
252. Habitual indebtedness affecting efficiency.
253. Failure to satisfy lawful judgment debt causing embarrassment to the Force.
254. Financial irresponsibility incompatible with office.
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M. OFFENCES RELATING TO POLITICAL ACTIVITY AND OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT
255. Participation in partisan politics contrary to law.
256. Canvassing for political party while in service.
257. Use of police office for political purpose.
258. Attendance at political activity in prohibited circumstances.
259. Holding office in political organization while serving.
260. Unauthorized outside employment.
261. Unauthorized business engagement.
262. Unauthorized trade or profession.
263. Use of police time for private business.
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N. OFFENCES RELATING TO TRAINING, EXAMINATION AND CAREER MATTERS
264. Cheating in examination.
265. Impersonation in examination.
266. Possession of unauthorized examination material.
267. Falsification of qualification.
268. Falsification of service record.
269. Falsification of age record.
270. Falsification of promotion record.
271. Refusal to undergo mandatory training.
272. Wilful failure to qualify in required course.
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O. OFFENCES RELATING TO WOMEN, CHILDREN AND VULNERABLE PERSONS
273. Sexual harassment.
274. Sexual exploitation.
275. Demand for sexual favour in official matter.
276. Improper relationship with complainant under investigation.
277. Improper relationship with detainee.
278. Abuse of child in custody.
279. Abuse of vulnerable person in custody.
280. Failure to protect vulnerable person in custody.
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P. OFFENCES RELATING TO RECORDS, DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
281. Unauthorized alteration of record.
282. Removal of official document without authority.
283. Loss of official document through negligence.
284. Destruction of official document without authority.
285. Failure to maintain official register.
286. Unauthorized access to official database.
287. Unauthorized extraction of official data.
288. Unauthorized use of official identity card.
289. Failure to surrender official identity card when required.
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Q. OFFENCES RELATING TO COURT AND LEGAL PROCESS
290. Contemptuous conduct in court.
291. Failure to obey court order.
292. Failure to produce accused person in court.
293. Failure to produce exhibit in court.
294. Failure to execute court process.
295. Giving false testimony.
296. Suppression of material evidence in court.
297. Improper communication with judicial officer regarding pending case.
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R. RESIDUAL AND GENERAL DISCIPLINARY OFFENCES
298. Any act prejudicial to good order and discipline.
299. Any omission prejudicial to good order and discipline.
300. Any conduct inconsistent with status of police officer.
301. Any breach of oath of office.
302. Any breach of official secrecy.
303. Any breach of code of conduct.
304. Any breach of ethical standards prescribed by the Force.
305. Any conduct likely to embarrass the Nigeria Police Force.
306. Any act or omission declared by Force Order to be a disciplinary offence.
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Typical Disciplinary Punishments
- Warning.
- Reprimand.
- Severe reprimand.
- Extra duty.
- Fatigue duty.
- Stoppage of increment.
- Withholding of promotion.
- Reduction in rank.
- Suspension.
- Interdiction.
- Removal from office.
- Dismissal from the Nigeria Police Force.
- Compulsory retirement.
- Restitution or surcharge where applicable.
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Important Note
The Nigeria Police disciplinary system is not contained in a single exhaustive schedule. The offences above are consolidated from the Police Act, Police Regulations, Force Orders, the Police Code of Conduct, and related public service disciplinary rules, and they represent the comprehensive range of misconducts for which a police officer may face disciplinary proceedings in the Nigeria Police Force.
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