Big shake-up at the NSCDC! The Corps has come down hard on its own, sanctioning 79 personnel and dismissing 37, while also parading 12 suspects arrested for pipeline vandalism and illegal arms deals.

In a major clean-up exercise, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sanctioned no fewer than 79 of its personnel for various acts of misconduct.

According to cbinews.tv, the Corps also confirmed the arrest of 12 suspects, six suspected pipeline vandals and six others linked to illegal firearms dealings.

The Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja. He was represented by the Corps’ spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi.

Afolabi explained that disciplinary proceedings have already been concluded for 75 personnel, while four others are still undergoing administrative processes.

The list of those sanctioned is quite telling. It includes one Assistant Commandant-General, two Deputy Commandants, 35 senior officers and 37 junior officers.

And what were the offences? Job racketeering, illegal recruitment, financial misconduct, sabotage, theft, negligence, dishonesty, absenteeism and other breaches of service regulations.

The penalties, he said, range from outright dismissal and compulsory retirement to dismissal with recommendation for criminal prosecution where criminal liability was established. In total, 37 personnel have been dismissed.

Among those dismissed are two Mining Marshals operatives who have now been recommended for prosecution over the February operational incident in Nasarawa State that claimed the life of their commander.

Investigations found no premeditated intent, but established that they unlawfully engaged illegal miners with firearms without operational authorisation, which is contrary to established procedures.

“Their actions constituted grave misconduct, negligence and indiscipline,” Audi said.

He, however, noted that investigations have cleared the Mining Marshals Commander, John Onoja, the lead prosecutor and other management team members of any complicity, adding that “allegations suggesting otherwise were found to be false and without factual basis.”

The four personnel still facing disciplinary action and the two dismissed Mining Marshals operatives were presented to journalists. Three of those facing ongoing cases were transferred from the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police over alleged illegal arms and ammunition dealings, while the fourth is being probed over alleged negligence and misconduct involving a teenage domestic helper.

Audi has directed that all disciplinary cases be concluded promptly and that criminal matters be prosecuted according to law.

He stressed that the personnel presented remain entitled to all constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence until determined otherwise by appropriate disciplinary bodies and courts.

He also urged Nigerians not to judge the entire Corps by the misconduct of a few, saying the overwhelming majority of officers continue to serve with honour and integrity.

“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,” he added.

In other operations, the Commandant-General disclosed that operatives arrested four suspected vandals in Sabon Wuse, FCT, while transporting suspected vandalised railway materials, including a truck loaded with railway sleepers. Two other suspected power infrastructure vandals were also arrested in Angwa Dudu, Gwagwalada Area Council, for allegedly vandalising electricity cables.

In a separate intelligence-led operation, six civilian suspects were arrested over alleged illegal firearms transactions. The principal suspect was intercepted in Enugu with military-grade weapons, ammunition, tactical gear and suspected IED materials, while five other suspects linked to the syndicate were picked up in follow-up operations in Ebonyi and Enugu.

Items recovered include pump-action guns, pistols, ammunition, communication gadgets, mobile phones and combat equipment.

All suspects will remain in custody as multi-agency investigations continue.

Credit: cbinews.tv

#NSCDC #AhmedAudi #NigeriaNews #SecurityUpdate #CBINewsTV #BreakingNews #Abuja #Nasarawa #FCTNews #PipelineVandalism #IllegalArms