NSCDC Sanctions 79 Personnel, Dismisses 37 Over Job Racketeering, Sabotage, Theft
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sanctioned 79 personnel for various offences, including job racketeering, illegal recruitment, financial misconduct, sabotage, theft and negligence.
The Commandant-General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi, disclosed this on Wednesday at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, where he also announced the arrest of 18 suspects in connection with alleged pipeline vandalism, critical infrastructure sabotage and illegal firearms dealings.
Audi, who was represented by the Corps’ Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said disciplinary proceedings involving 75 personnel had been concluded, while administrative processes involving four others were ongoing.
He said those sanctioned comprised one Assistant Commandant-General, two Deputy Commandants, 35 other senior officers and 37 junior personnel.
According to him, the offences ranged from job racketeering and illegal recruitment to financial misconduct, sabotage, theft, negligence, dishonesty, absenteeism and other breaches of service regulations.
The penalties, he said, included dismissal, compulsory retirement and dismissal with recommendations for criminal prosecution where criminal liability was established.
Audi disclosed that 37 personnel had been dismissed following disciplinary proceedings, including two members of the Mining Marshals Unit linked to an operational incident in Nasarawa State in February that resulted in the death of their commander.
He said investigations established that the two operatives had unlawfully engaged illegal miners with firearms without the required operational authorisation, contrary to approved procedures.
Although investigators found no evidence of premeditated intent, Audi said their conduct amounted to grave misconduct, negligence and indiscipline.
He added that the Mining Marshals Commander, John Onoja, the lead prosecutor and other members of the management team were cleared of allegations of complicity.
“Allegations suggesting otherwise were found to be false and without factual basis,” he said.
The NSCDC chief said three of the personnel currently facing disciplinary proceedings were transferred from the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police over alleged illegal dealings in arms and ammunition.
The fourth officer, he said, was being investigated over alleged negligence and misconduct relating to the treatment of a teenage domestic helper.
Audi directed that all disciplinary cases be concluded expeditiously, while criminal matters should be referred for prosecution in accordance with the law.
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He, however, stressed that personnel facing disciplinary proceedings remained entitled to their constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence until determined otherwise by the appropriate disciplinary authorities or courts.
The Commandant-General said misconduct by individual personnel should not be allowed to undermine the professionalism and dedication of the majority of NSCDC officers and men.
He reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to accountability and ethical conduct, stressing that personnel found culpable would be held responsible irrespective of rank or position.
NSCDC Arrests 18 Suspects Over Infrastructure Vandalism, Arms
In a related development, Audi disclosed that NSCDC operatives had arrested four suspected vandals in the Sabon Wuse area of the Federal Capital Territory while allegedly transporting vandalised railway materials.
A truck loaded with railway sleepers and other materials believed to have been vandalised was recovered from the suspects.
Audi said the suspects would face charges bordering on criminal conspiracy, malicious damage to public property, acts of terrorism and unlawful possession of suspected stolen property.
Two other suspects were also arrested at Angwa Dudu in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT for allegedly conspiring to vandalise electricity cables and power lines serving the community.
He said efforts were ongoing to recover additional stolen electrical installations linked to the suspects.
The NSCDC boss further disclosed that intelligence-led operations had 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 materials associated with improvised explosive devices.
Follow-up operations in Enugu and Ebonyi states subsequently led to the arrest of five additional suspects allegedly linked to the firearms syndicate.
Items recovered from the suspects included pump-action guns, pistols, ammunition, communication devices, mobile phones, combat equipment and identity documents.
Audi said the suspects remained in custody as investigations continued, with appropriate legal action to follow.
He reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting critical national assets, strengthening internal accountability and maintaining professional standards across the Corps.
He also urged members of the public to provide credible and timely intelligence to security agencies to support the fight against infrastructure vandalism, illegal arms trafficking and other security threats.
By PRNigeria
