NSCDC sanctions 79 personnel over misconduct, arrests 12 suspects

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced major disciplinary and operational actions, including the sanctioning of 79 personnel for professional misconduct.

The NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, said in a statement that the Corps had also arrested 12 suspects linked to critical infrastructure vandalism and illegal arms dealing.

According to the statement, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to institutional transparency, public safety, and zero tolerance for compromise.

It said that following investigations conducted under the Public Service Rules and NSCDC Conditions of Service, disciplinary proceedings were concluded for 75 personnel.

The affected officers include an Assistant Commandant General (ACG), two Deputy Commandants (DCs), 35 other senior officers, and 37 junior officers.

According to the statement, “Established infractions ranged from job racketeering, financial misconduct, theft, and absence without official leave, to acts prejudicial to state security. Sanctions applied include dismissal, compulsory retirement, and recommendation for criminal prosecution.”

The statement said among the concluded cases was the February 18, 2026, operational incident at Rafin Gabas, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, which led to the death of Mining Marshals Location Commander Levi Agada.

It said investigations established that two personnel, Hosea Habila and Jibrin Labaran, engaged suspected illegal miners with firearms without authorisation. Both officers have been dismissed from the Service and recommended for criminal prosecution.

Additionally, four personnel are currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings handled by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’S SIS), with the joint effort of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, over alleged illegal arms dealing. They are facing both internal disciplinary action and legal prosecution.

The suspects are Superintendent Tesie Victor Nnamdi (Enugu State Command), Assistant Superintendent II Okwuruinya Uchenna (Ebonyi State Command), and Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson (Ebonyi State Command).

Superintendent Achor Favour (Nasarawa State Command) is also undergoing administrative disciplinary proceedings following public concern over the alleged mistreatment and negligence of a teenage domestic helper, Mercy Hajara Muhammad.

In another development, nine suspects were arrested by the CG’S SIS at different locations in connection with related crimes across Ebonyi, Enugu, Kogi, Niger States, and the Federal Capital Territory.

The names of the nine alleged illegal firearm and ammunition dealers were given as Friday Nnanna Ujor, 51; Chika Sampson Nwozaku, 48; Nnanna Ujor Chinasa, 45; Nnanna Fountain; Nnanna Abundant Ifechukwu; and three NSCDC officers: SC Tesie Victor Nnamdi, ASCI Okwuruinya Uchenna, and ASCI Obaji Sampson.

The Corps also said that, as part of efforts to protect critical national assets and infrastructure (CNAI), its operatives arrested six suspected vandals with a full trailer load of railway sleepers at Sabon Wuse on 25 July 2026.

The vandalised sleepers were concealed in a blue DAF trailer with registration number ZAR 618 XT.

Similarly, a two-man vandalism syndicate, Raphael Danjuma and Isaac Zegbe, from Toto and Basa Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, were arrested for alleged electrical and cable vandalism in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

The Corps emphasised that the actions of the sanctioned personnel do not reflect the integrity and dedication of the vast majority of NSCDC officers nationwide.

It added that all suspects and affected personnel retain their constitutional rights to due process as administrative and legal proceedings continue.

The NSCDC urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue sharing actionable intelligence to safeguard national security.