The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sanctioned 79 personnel for various acts of misconduct, dismissed 37 officers from service, and announced the arrest of suspected pipeline vandals and an alleged illegal firearms syndicate in a sweeping crackdown on indiscipline and crime.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi, represented by the agency’s spokesperson Babawale Afolabi, said disciplinary action had been concluded against 75 personnel, while four others are still facing administrative proceedings over separate allegations.
According to the Corps, those sanctioned include one Assistant Commandant-General, two Deputy Commandants, 35 senior officers and 37 junior officers. Their offences ranged from job racketeering, illegal recruitment and financial misconduct to sabotage, theft, negligence, absenteeism, dishonesty and other violations of service regulations.
Audi disclosed that the disciplinary measures imposed include dismissals, compulsory retirements and recommendations for criminal prosecution where evidence of criminal conduct was established. Among those dismissed were two operatives of the Mining Marshals, who have also been recommended for prosecution over an operational incident in Nasarawa State that resulted in the death of their commander.
He explained that investigations found no evidence that the operatives intentionally caused the commander’s death. However, they were found to have engaged illegal miners with firearms without proper operational authorisation, an action the Corps described as gross misconduct, negligence and indiscipline. The investigation also cleared Mining Marshals Commander John Onoja, the lead prosecutor and other management officials of any wrongdoing.
The Commandant-General further revealed that three officers currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings were transferred from the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police over allegations involving illegal arms and ammunition dealings, while another officer is facing misconduct allegations linked to the treatment of a teenage domestic helper. He stressed that all affected personnel remain entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until disciplinary and judicial processes are concluded.
Beyond internal disciplinary actions, the NSCDC announced a series of successful operations against criminal networks. Four suspected vandals were arrested in Sabon Wuse, Federal Capital Territory, while transporting suspected stolen railway materials. Another two suspects were apprehended in Gwagwalada Area Council over the alleged vandalism of electricity infrastructure. The Corps said all the suspects would face prosecution for offences including vandalism, theft of critical national assets, conspiracy and terrorism-related crimes.
In a separate intelligence-led operation, NSCDC operatives arrested six civilian suspects over alleged illegal firearms transactions. The principal suspect was intercepted in Enugu State with military-grade weapons, ammunition, tactical gear and materials suspected to be used in the production of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Follow-up operations in Enugu and Ebonyi states led to the arrest of five additional suspects believed to be part of the same network.
Recovered items include pump-action guns, pistols, ammunition, communication devices, combat equipment, identity documents and mobile phones. The Corps said all suspects remain in custody as multi-agency investigations continue, reaffirming its commitment to enforcing discipline within its ranks while protecting critical national infrastructure and tackling organised crime across the country.
