The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) said it had sacked the boards and management of Union Bank, Keystone Bank and Polaris Bank for failing to comply with the provisions of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act.
The board of the three lenders also ignored the terms of their licenses and engaged in activities that posed a threat to financial stability, the CBN added.
The Central Bank also announced in the statement that it has already appointed replacement managers in the banks and assured citizens of the safety of their deposits.
"The CBN assures the public of the safety and security of depositors' funds and remains resolute in fulfilling its mandate to uphold a safe, sound, and robust financial system in Nigeria. Our Banking system remains strong and resilient," the statement said.
In late December, the Nigerian government reportedly said that it was on the verge of recovering Union Bank and Keystone Bank after an investigation revealed that former Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele had acquired them through several proxies.
The report, according to the media, revealed that Emefiele, who was sacked by President Bola Tinubu in June, bribed two creditors with "ill-gotten wealth" and "without evidence of payment."
The sacking of the boards comes under the tenure of Emefiele's successor, Central Bank governor Olayemi Cardoso, who was appointed in September and has ordered lenders in the West African nation to increase capital levels.