Nasarawa Incident: NSCDC Boss Orders Immediate Withdrawal of Mining Marshal’s Petition to Senate Against Police
The Commandant General (CG) of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, has ordered the immediate withdrawal of a petition allegedly submitted to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions by the Commander of the Corps’ Mining Marshal, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja.
The petition, which accused some Police officers of attacking and shooting at NSCDC personnel as well as obstructing efforts to prosecute illegal miners arrested in Nasarawa State, was described by the NSCDC leadership as unauthorized and outside the operational purview of the officer involved.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by CSC Babawale Afolabi, the National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, the Commandant General categorically dissociated the Corps’ Management from the petition. He stated that the officer acted without clearance and was not mandated to engage the Senate on such a sensitive inter-agency matter.
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Dr Audi emphasized the importance of a harmonious relationship between the NSCDC and the Nigeria Police Force, disclosing that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) was not aware of the incident prior to the filing of the petition. He further noted that the IGP has consistently demonstrated goodwill and cooperation towards the NSCDC in advancing national security and the objectives of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“I have spoken to the IGP on the matter and sincerely apologise for the embarrassment that the petition might have caused,” the NSCDC CG said.
“I have also directed that the petition be withdrawn immediately with a view to resolving it administratively without any rancor.”
Dr Audi reaffirmed his commitment to inter-agency collaboration, particularly with the Nigeria Police, in the shared goal of combating crime and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians.
While the Corps is already considering disciplinary measures against the officer involved, the CG also proposed a joint investigation with the Police to ascertain the facts of the incident and chart a path toward a common resolution.
The Commandant General appealed to the IGP and reaffirmed the Corps’ dedication to professionalism, accountability, and unity among Nigeria’s security services.
