THE Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sanctioned 79 of its personnel for various disciplinary offences while arresting 18 suspects over alleged pipeline vandalism, critical infrastructure sabotage and illegal firearms dealings in different parts of the country.
News Point Nigeria reports that the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, disclosed this on Wednesday during a news conference at the corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja, saying the actions underscore the agency’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of critical national assets.
Represented by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, Audi said disciplinary proceedings involving 75 personnel had been concluded, while four others were still undergoing administrative processes over separate allegations.
According to him, the sanctioned officers comprise one Assistant Commandant-General, two Deputy Commandants, 35 other senior officers and 37 junior officers.
He said the offences included job racketeering, illegal recruitment, financial misconduct, sabotage, theft, negligence, dishonesty, absenteeism and other violations of service regulations.
Audi explained that penalties imposed ranged from dismissal and compulsory retirement to dismissal with recommendations for criminal prosecution in cases where criminal liability was established.
The Commandant-General disclosed that 37 personnel were dismissed after disciplinary proceedings, including two operatives of the Mining Marshals Unit linked to a February operational incident in Nasarawa State that resulted in the death of their commander.
He said investigations found no evidence of premeditated intent but established that the operatives unlawfully engaged illegal miners with firearms without operational authorisation, contrary to approved operational procedures.
“Their actions constituted grave misconduct, negligence and indiscipline,” he said.
Audi also revealed that investigations exonerated the Mining Marshals Commander, John Onoja, the lead prosecutor and other members of the management team from allegations of complicity.
“Allegations suggesting otherwise were found to be false and without factual basis,” he stated.
The NSCDC boss presented four personnel currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings, alongside the two dismissed Mining Marshals operatives, before journalists.
According to him, three of the officers were transferred from the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police over alleged involvement in illegal arms and ammunition dealings.
He added that the fourth officer was facing disciplinary proceedings over alleged negligence and misconduct involving the treatment of a teenage domestic helper.
Audi directed that all disciplinary cases be concluded without delay, while criminal matters should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“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 jurisdiction determine otherwise,” he said.
He urged Nigerians not to judge the entire corps by the actions of the affected officers, stressing that the overwhelming majority of NSCDC personnel remained committed to professionalism and ethical service.
“The corps will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
“Any personnel found wanting, irrespective of rank or position, will be held accountable in accordance with the law and the regulations governing the agency,” Audi stated.
In a related development, the NSCDC boss disclosed that operatives arrested four suspected vandals in the Sabon Wuse area of the Federal Capital Territory while transporting suspected vandalised railway materials.
He said the suspects would face prosecution for criminal conspiracy, malicious damage to public property, acts of terrorism and unlawful possession of suspected stolen property.
According to him, operatives recovered a truck loaded with vandalised railway sleepers and other railway materials from the suspects.
Audi further revealed that two suspected power infrastructure vandals were arrested at Angwa Dudu in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT.
He said the suspects allegedly conspired to vandalise electricity cables and power lines serving the area and would also be prosecuted.
The NSCDC chief added that efforts were ongoing to recover stolen electrical installations linked to the suspects.
He also disclosed that intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of six civilian suspects over alleged illegal firearms transactions and related security offences.
According to him, the principal suspect was intercepted in Enugu with military-grade weapons, ammunition, tactical equipment and suspected improvised explosive device materials.
Audi said follow-up operations in Enugu and Ebonyi states resulted in the arrest of five additional suspects linked to the alleged firearms syndicate.
“Recovered from the suspects were pump-action guns, ammunition, pistols, communication gadgets, mobile phones, combat equipment, identity documents and other items,” he said.
He added that all suspects would remain in custody while investigations and legal processes continued.
Reaffirming the corps’ commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of critical national assets, Audi appealed to Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence.
“We appreciate the support of Nigerians and encourage members of the public to continue partnering with the corps by providing credible and timely information that will assist in strengthening internal accountability, professionalism and public trust,” he said.