The NSCDC has disciplined 79 officers, cleared a senior commander in a high-profile investigation, and arrested 12 suspects over arms trafficking and vandalism.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reinforced its commitment to discipline and accountability by imposing sanctions on 79 officers found guilty of various forms of misconduct while also recording fresh successes in its campaign against illegal arms trafficking and the destruction of critical national infrastructure.
The disciplinary actions, announced by the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, signal a renewed determination by the agency to maintain professionalism within its ranks and ensure that officers who violate service regulations face appropriate consequences.
According to the Corps, investigations into several disciplinary cases have now been concluded, leading to penalties ranging from dismissal and compulsory retirement to recommendations for criminal prosecution where necessary. At the same time, additional officers remain under investigation for separate allegations.
The announcement was made through the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, who explained that disciplinary panels completed proceedings involving 75 personnel, while four others are still undergoing administrative processes.
The sanctioned officers cut across different cadres of the organisation. Those affected include one Assistant Commandant General (ACG), two Deputy Commandants (DCs), 35 senior officers and 37 junior personnel.
Officials said the affected officers were found culpable of offences including job racketeering, illegal recruitment, financial misconduct, theft, absence without official leave, professional negligence, conduct considered prejudicial to national security and other violations of the Corps’ code of ethics.
Prof. Audi said the sanctions were implemented in line with the Public Service Rules and the NSCDC Conditions of Service, adding that the Corps would continue to enforce its internal disciplinary framework without fear or favour.
One of the most significant investigations concluded by the Corps centred on the death of Mining Marshals Location Commander, Levi Agada, during an operation carried out on February 18, 2026, at Rafin Gabas in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The incident attracted widespread public attention, with allegations emerging that senior officials within the Mining Marshals unit attempted to conceal the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
However, following an extensive investigation, the NSCDC stated that no evidence was found linking the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja, the lead prosecutor or any member of the unit’s management team to the incident.
The Corps said investigators established that two operatives, identified as Hosea Habila and Jibrin Labaran, engaged suspected illegal miners with firearms without obtaining the required operational approval, contrary to established procedures governing field operations.
Although investigators concluded that there was no evidence suggesting a deliberate plan to cause the death of the late officer, the conduct of the two operatives was described as a serious breach of operational discipline and professional responsibility.
The NSCDC said both officers have therefore been dismissed from service and recommended for criminal prosecution over their actions.
Prof. Audi maintained that allegations accusing ACC Onoja and other senior officials of authorising the operation, diverting operational funds or participating in any cover-up were thoroughly investigated and found to be without merit.
He stressed that the disciplinary process was evidence-based and targeted only officers whose misconduct was established through due process.
Beyond the completed investigations, the Corps disclosed that four officers are still facing disciplinary proceedings over separate allegations.
Three officers—Superintendent Tesie Victor Nnamdi of the Enugu State Command, Assistant Superintendent II Okwuruinya Uchenna and Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the Ebonyi State Command—are currently under investigation by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police over alleged involvement in illegal arms transactions.
In a separate case, Superintendent Achor Favour of the Nasarawa State Command is also undergoing administrative proceedings following allegations concerning the treatment of a teenage domestic helper.
The NSCDC also reported operational breakthroughs in its campaign against organised crime, announcing the arrest of 12 suspects connected to illegal firearms trafficking and vandalism of critical national assets.
According to the Corps, nine suspects, including three serving NSCDC personnel, were apprehended during coordinated operations conducted across Ebonyi, Enugu, Kogi and Niger states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, over alleged illegal dealings in firearms and ammunition.
The arrests, the agency said, form part of broader intelligence-driven efforts to dismantle criminal networks involved in the circulation of illegal weapons capable of threatening public safety.
In another operation, operatives attached to the Corps’ special crack squad intercepted six suspected vandals transporting a trailer-load of railway sleepers believed to have been removed from railway infrastructure.
The stolen materials were reportedly concealed inside a blue DAF truck bearing registration number ZAR 618 XT before security operatives intercepted the vehicle at Sabon Wuse on July 25.
The Corps also announced the arrest of Raphael Danjuma and Isaac Zegbe for allegedly vandalising electrical installations and stealing cables within the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
Prof. Audi said protecting critical national assets remains one of the Corps’ primary responsibilities, warning that individuals involved in vandalising public infrastructure would continue to face aggressive enforcement measures.
He noted that while isolated cases of misconduct among officers are regrettable, they do not reflect the values or commitment of the majority of NSCDC personnel serving across the country.
The Commandant General assured Nigerians that the Corps remains focused on strengthening internal accountability mechanisms while sustaining its efforts to combat illegal mining, arms trafficking, vandalism and other threats to national security.
He also reaffirmed that every officer and civilian suspect involved in the ongoing cases would be accorded their constitutional rights to fair hearing and due process as investigations and judicial proceedings continue.
Calling for greater public cooperation, Audi urged citizens to support security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence capable of helping authorities disrupt criminal activities before they escalate.
He said collaboration between security agencies and members of the public remains vital to safeguarding lives, protecting national infrastructure and strengthening internal security across the country.