NSCDC Clears Mining Marshal Commander of Wrongdoing, Dismisses Two Operatives Over Illegal Arms Supply to Miners
…Probe Exonerates ACC Onoja of ₦2bn Diversion, Cover-Up Allegations in Levi Agada’s Death
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has exonerated the Commander of its Mining Marshal Unit, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja, of allegations linking him to the alleged diversion of ₦2 billion and the purported cover-up of circumstances surrounding the death of a Mining Marshal operative, Levi Agada, in Nasarawa State.
The Corps, however, announced the dismissal of two members of the Mining Marshal Unit for unlawfully supplying firearms to illegal miners, describing their actions as a gross violation of operational guidelines and professional ethics.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, represented by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Babawale, said comprehensive investigations cleared ACC Onoja, the lead prosecutor and other members of the management team of any wrongdoing.
According to the Commandant General, allegations suggesting that the Mining Marshal Commander was involved in financial impropriety or had concealed the circumstances surrounding Agada’s death were found to be false and unsupported by evidence.
“The comprehensive investigation established that there was no evidence linking the Commander of the Mining Marshal Unit, the lead prosecutor or other members of the management team to the allegations. Claims of complicity were found to be false and without factual basis,” Audi stated.
He further disclosed that investigators found no evidence of any premeditated act or conspiracy that led to the death of the late Location Commander, Levi Agada.
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The clarification follows months of public controversy after Agada lost his life during an operational incident on February 18, 2026, in Nasarawa State.
The incident generated widespread media reports alleging that the Mining Marshal leadership was involved in the diversion of ₦2 billion and had attempted to conceal the true circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.
At the height of the controversy, ACC Onoja had consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that neither he nor his team had any involvement in the alleged financial misconduct or cover-up.
The NSCDC said its internal investigation has now vindicated those claims.
While clearing the unit’s leadership, the Corps announced that two operatives directly involved in the operational incident had been dismissed from service for unlawfully providing firearms to illegal miners.
According to Audi, the officers’ conduct amounted to grave misconduct, professional negligence and actions prejudicial to the discipline and operational integrity of the Corps.
“Consequently, both personnel have been dismissed from the service and recommended for prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said.
The Commandant General explained that the disciplinary action followed recommendations arising from the investigation into the February 18 operational incident.
He reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to discipline, accountability and professionalism, stressing that any personnel found compromising the Corps’ operational standards would face the full weight of the law, irrespective of rank or position.
The dismissed operatives were among 37 personnel recently removed from the Corps over various disciplinary offences, while 42 others received different sanctions following separate disciplinary proceedings.
The NSCDC reiterated that the Mining Marshal Unit remains a critical component of the Federal Government’s efforts to combat illegal mining, protect the nation’s solid mineral resources and enforce compliance with mining regulations across the country.
By PRNigeria
