In a swift and decisive move, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the immediate detention of officers implicated in the extortion of ₦5.2 million from a Nigerian traveler. The disciplinary action comes in response to a directive issued by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following public outcry on social media.
The victim, reportedly traveling from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State to Akure, Ondo State, was allegedly stopped and extorted by NSCDC officers who demanded the staggering amount under unclear pretenses. The incident, which went viral online, sparked outrage and prompted urgent intervention from the federal authorities.
According to a statement released on Wednesday by the NSCDC’s spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, the detained officers have been relocated to the Corps’ national headquarters in Abuja to face a disciplinary panel. The committee, tasked with conducting a comprehensive probe, has already commenced investigations.
“The Commandant General has zero tolerance for corruption and misconduct,” the statement emphasized. “If the officers are found guilty, they will face the full weight of the law and be punished in accordance with the Public Service Rules.”
Dr. Audi described the incident as a “gross violation” of the Corps’ Code of Ethics and Standard Operating Procedures. He reiterated that the NSCDC under his watch would not condone any form of abuse of power or unprofessional behavior, especially those that damage the integrity of the institution and erode public trust.
This development follows growing concerns about law enforcement misconduct in Nigeria, with several recent cases involving police and paramilitary personnel accused of illegal detentions, bribery, and extortion.
Minister Tunji-Ojo, who initially ordered the investigation, stressed the need to restore citizens’ confidence in internal security institutions. “This administration is committed to accountability and justice. We will not allow a few bad eggs to tarnish the image of the entire security apparatus,” the minister noted.
He also encouraged Nigerians to come forward with credible information about misconduct, promising that such reports would be treated with the seriousness they deserve.
The case has reignited debates around systemic corruption within paramilitary organizations and the urgent need for reform. Civil rights groups, including the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), have commended the swift action taken by the NSCDC leadership but called for institutional safeguards to prevent future occurrences.
“This is a step in the right direction,” said SERAP’s Executive Director, Adetokunbo Mumuni. “However, we need to go beyond reactive measures. Preventive oversight and internal checks must be strengthened within the NSCDC and similar agencies.”
Dr. Audi assured Nigerians that the NSCDC remains committed to upholding justice, transparency, and professionalism in its operations. He called on all officers to act as protectors of the people rather than predators, emphasizing that no individual within the Corps is above the law.
“We owe Nigerians accountability,” he said. “This incident, though regrettable, will serve as a benchmark for restoring discipline and trust within our ranks.”
The detained officers will remain in custody at the NSCDC headquarters pending the outcome of the internal disciplinary process. If found guilty, they may face dismissal, criminal prosecution, or both.