DistantNews
Support us
NSCDC dismisses two personnel for firearms proliferation, clears commander
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

NSCDC dismisses two personnel for firearms proliferation, clears commander

From Premium Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Outcome reported
  • The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) dismissed two personnel from its Mining Marshal Unit for illegally supplying firearms to illegal miners.
  • The corps also cleared Mining Marshals Commander John Onoja of allegations of diverting N2 billion and covering up a subordinate's death.
  • Investigations found the dismissed personnel's actions constituted grave misconduct, and they will be prosecuted; Onoja and others were cleared of complicity.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismissed two operatives from its Mining Marshal Unit for their involvement in illegally providing firearms to illegal miners. The corps announced this action while also exonerating the unit's commander, John Onoja, from allegations of financial misconduct and a cover-up related to a personnel's death.

NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi stated that the actions of the two dismissed personnel were in direct contradiction to established guidelines. He described their conduct as grave misconduct, professional negligence, and prejudicial to the corps' discipline and operational integrity. Consequently, both individuals have been dismissed and recommended for prosecution.

Consequently, both personnel have been dismissed from the service and recommended for prosecution in accordance with the law.

— Ahmed Audi (represented by Babawale Afolabi)Announcing the dismissal and legal action against the two operatives.

These dismissals stem from an operational incident on February 18 in Nasarawa state, which resulted in the death of their location commander, Levi Agada. Following Mr. Agada's demise, some media outlets published controversial reports linking Mr. Onoja's team to the alleged diversion of N2 billion and a cover-up of the circumstances surrounding the death.

Allegations suggesting otherwise were found to be false and without factual basis.

— Ahmed AudiConcluding the investigation into allegations against Commander John Onoja and his team.

However, Commandant General Audi, represented by NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi, confirmed that comprehensive investigations had cleared Mr. Onoja, the lead prosecutor, and other management team members of any alleged complicity. The allegations were found to be false and without factual basis, and investigations also found no evidence of premeditated intent against the deceased.

In total, the two former mining marshals were among 37 personnel recently dismissed from the NSCDC for various offenses, with an additional 42 personnel facing sanctions.

According to Mr Audi, investigations also established that there was no evidence of premeditated intent against the deceased.

— Ahmed AudiReporting on the findings regarding the death of personnel Levi Agada.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Premium Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog