NSCDC Boss Orders Detention of Officers Over Alleged N5.2m Extortion

The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, has ordered the immediate detention of officers allegedly involved in the extortion of N5.2 million from travelers.

This directive was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the development follows an order for investigation by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, after a viral social media post accused some NSCDC personnel of extorting a group of young men traveling from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State to Akure, Ondo State.

Dr. Audi directed that the accused officers be transferred to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja to allow for a thorough investigation by the corps’ disciplinary committee.

“Their actions were highly condemnable and unprofessional as it contravenes the Code of Ethics and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the NSCDC,” Audi stated.

He emphasized that the NSCDC management is awaiting the outcome of the investigation and vowed that any officer found guilty would be dealt with in line with the Public Service Rules (PSR).

“The corps will not shield anyone found culpable of corrupt practices or any form of compromise,” he assured.

The Commandant-General also reiterated the corps’ commitment to accountability and discipline, adding that erring officers will face appropriate sanctions to serve as a deterrent to others.

He urged the public not to lose confidence in the corps, but to continue providing vital information that will help stamp out any form of harassment or extortion by its personnel.