NSCDC Sanctions 79 Personnel, Arrests Pipeline Vandals

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sanctioned 79 personnel for various offences, as announced by Commandant-General Ahmed Audi during a press briefing on Wednesday at the corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja. The sanctions include disciplinary proceedings against 75 personnel, with four others undergoing administrative processes for separate allegations.

The sanctioned personnel comprise one Assistant Commandant-General, two Deputy Commandants, 35 senior officers, and 37 junior officers. Offences include job racketeering, illegal recruitment, financial misconduct, and negligence.

The penalties range from dismissal to compulsory retirement, with 37 personnel dismissed, including two Mining Marshals operatives recommended for prosecution related to a February incident in Nasarawa State that resulted in the death of their commander. Investigations cleared the Mining Marshals Commander, John Onoja, and others of complicity.

Audi emphasized the importance of concluding disciplinary cases promptly while maintaining the constitutional rights of the personnel involved.