NSCDC sanctions 79 personnel, arrests 12 suspects

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken disciplinary action against 79 of its personnel for a range of offenses, including job racketeering, illegal recruitment, financial misconduct, sabotage, theft, negligence, and dishonesty. The corps also announced the arrest of 12 suspects involved in separate criminal activities.

NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi, represented by spokesperson Babawale Afolabi, stated that disciplinary proceedings for 75 personnel have concluded, while four others are undergoing administrative processes. The sanctioned individuals include senior and junior officers. Penalties range from dismissal and compulsory retirement to dismissal with recommendations for criminal prosecution where criminal liability is established.

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Their actions constituted grave misconduct, negligence and indiscipline.

Among those dismissed are two Mining Marshals operatives implicated in an operational incident that resulted in a commander's death. Investigations found their actions constituted grave misconduct and negligence, as they engaged illegal miners with firearms without authorization. However, the investigation cleared the commander and other management team members of alleged complicity.

Additionally, the NSCDC arrested six suspected pipeline vandals and six individuals for alleged illegal firearms dealings. Audi emphasized the importance of concluding disciplinary cases promptly and prosecuting criminal matters according to the law, while ensuring all personnel are afforded their constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence.

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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.