NSCDC Cracks Down on Rogue Officers, Pipeline Vandals, Arms Dealers, Sanctions 79 Personnel
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intensified its internal cleansing and security operations, sanctioning 79 personnel for various offences while arresting 18 suspects linked to pipeline vandalism, critical infrastructure sabotage and illegal firearms dealings.
The Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference at the corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja, where he highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen discipline, accountability and professionalism within the organisation.
Audi, who was represented by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said disciplinary proceedings involving 75 personnel had been concluded, while four others were still undergoing administrative processes over separate allegations.
The sanctioned officers, he said, comprised one Assistant Commandant-General, two Deputy Commandants, 35 other senior officers and 37 junior officers.
According to him, the offences committed by the affected personnel included job racketeering, illegal recruitment, financial misconduct, sabotage, theft, negligence, dishonesty, absenteeism and other breaches of service regulations.
He added that the penalties imposed ranged from dismissal and compulsory retirement to dismissal with recommendations for criminal prosecution where criminal liability was established.
Audi revealed that 37 personnel were dismissed after disciplinary proceedings, including two operatives of the Mining Marshals Unit who were involved in a February operational incident in Nasarawa State that led to the death of their commander.
He explained that investigations established that although there was no evidence of premeditated intent, the operatives unlawfully engaged illegal miners with firearms without operational authorisation, contrary to approved procedures.
“Their actions constituted grave misconduct, negligence and indiscipline,” he said.
The NSCDC boss said investigations cleared the Mining Marshals Commander, John Onoja, the lead prosecutor and other members of the management team of allegations of complicity in the incident.
“Allegations suggesting otherwise were found to be false and without factual basis,” he said.
Audi presented four personnel currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings and the two dismissed Mining Marshals operatives before journalists as part of efforts to demonstrate transparency in handling misconduct cases.
He disclosed that three of the officers undergoing disciplinary action were transferred from the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police over alleged illegal dealings involving arms and ammunition.
The fourth officer, he said, was facing disciplinary proceedings over alleged negligence and misconduct involving the treatment of a teenage domestic helper.
Audi directed that all disciplinary cases be concluded without unnecessary delay, while criminal matters should be prosecuted in line with extant laws.
“It is equally important to emphasise that the personnel presented today remain entitled to all constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence until the appropriate disciplinary bodies and courts of competent jurisdiction determine otherwise,” he said.
The NSCDC chief urged Nigerians not to judge the entire corps based on the misconduct of a few personnel, stressing that the majority of officers remain committed to their duties.
“The corps will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
“Any personnel found wanting, irrespective of rank or position, will be held accountable in accordance with the law and the regulations governing the agency,” Audi said.
Crackdown on Infrastructure Vandals
Beyond internal disciplinary actions, Audi also announced a series of successful operations against criminals targeting critical national assets.
He disclosed that NSCDC operatives arrested four suspected vandals in the Sabon Wuse area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) while transporting suspected vandalised railway materials.
The suspects, he said, would face prosecution for criminal conspiracy, malicious damage to public property, acts of terrorism and unlawful possession of suspected stolen property.
Recovered from them was a truck loaded with vandalised railway sleepers and other railway components.
Audi also announced the arrest of two suspected power infrastructure vandals at Angwa Dudu in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT.
The suspects allegedly conspired to vandalise electricity cables and power lines serving the community and would be prosecuted accordingly.
He said efforts were ongoing to recover stolen electrical installations linked to the suspects.
NSCDC Busts Alleged Arms Syndicate
The Commandant-General further revealed that intelligence-driven operations by the corps led to the arrest of six civilian suspects allegedly involved in illegal firearms transactions and related security offences.
According to him, the principal suspect was intercepted in Enugu State with military-grade weapons, ammunition, tactical equipment and suspected improvised explosive device materials.
He said follow-up operations carried out in Enugu and Ebonyi states resulted in the arrest of five additional suspects allegedly connected to the firearms network.
“Recovered from the suspects were pump-action guns, ammunition, pistols, communication gadgets, mobile phones, combat equipment, identity documents and other items,” he said.
Audi said the suspects would remain in custody as investigations and legal proceedings continue.
He reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of critical national infrastructure, urging Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence.
“We appreciate the support of Nigerians and encourage members of the public to continue partnering with the corps by providing credible and timely information that will assist in strengthening internal accountability, professionalism and public trust,” he said.
