PSC boss decries rising human rights violations in South-East

Hashimu Argungu, Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), retired has condemned the increasing cases of human rights abuses by police officers in Nigeria’s South East and has vowed that the Commission will no longer tolerate such acts of indiscipline.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations at the PSC, Argungu warned that the Commission will not hesitate to initiate disciplinary measures, including the dismissal of officers who violate their professional boundaries.

Speaking at the ongoing South-East Stakeholders Summit on Peace and Security and Public Hearing on Human Rights Violations in Enugu, Argungu expressed deep concern over the misconduct of some officers who continue to meddle in civil matters despite repeated warnings.

“The Commission is aware of serious human rights violations by misguided police officers in the South East, who, despite several warnings, continue to interfere in civil matters like land disputes, debt recovery, rent collection, and marital issues — all because of financial incentives,” Argungu stated.

He described the lure of “filthy money” as a major reason behind these violations, adding that officers have been exploiting their positions for personal gain, to the detriment of the communities they are supposed to serve.

Argungu did not shy away from addressing broader security issues in the region. He lamented the growing insecurity and described the South East as the “unofficial headquarters of human rights violations.”

He also criticized the rampant corruption and extortion by security operatives at numerous checkpoints across the region, calling them “toll gates” where road users are coerced at gunpoint to pay bribes.

“The Commission is no longer comfortable with the abuse of office by security personnel. We are seeing ceaseless and senseless attacks from brainwashed youths masquerading as freedom fighters, leading to the tragic loss of innocent lives,” he said.

Argungu commended the organizers of the summit for spotlighting these critical issues and praised Peter Mbah, Enugu State Governor, for his efforts in improving security in the state.

He acknowledged the governor’s role in ending the disruptive “Monday sit-at-home” orders that had crippled the state’s economy.

“The PSC stands with Governor Mbah in the fight to rid the South East of banditry, crime, and other emerging security threats,” Argungu affirmed.

He stressed that the Commission remains committed to restoring peace and order in the South East and will take decisive action against any officer who undermines this mission.