By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sanctioned 79 personnel for various acts of professional misconduct and arrested 12 suspects linked to critical national infrastructure vandalism and illegal arms trafficking, reaffirming its commitment to discipline, accountability, and national security.

The Commandant General of the Corps, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday, saying the actions underscore the agency’s zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline, and activities capable of undermining public trust and national security.

According to him, disciplinary proceedings conducted in line with the Public Service Rules and the NSCDC Conditions of Service were concluded against 75 personnel found culpable of various offences. Those sanctioned include one Assistant Commandant General (ACG), two Deputy Commandants (DCs), 35 senior officers, and 37 junior officers.

The offences ranged from job racketeering, financial misconduct, theft, and absenteeism without official permission to acts considered prejudicial to state security. Sanctions imposed include dismissal from service, compulsory retirement, and recommendations for criminal prosecution where applicable.

Among the cases concluded was the February 18, 2026 operational incident at Rafin Gabas in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, which resulted in the death of Mining Marshals Location Commander, Levi Agada. Investigations revealed that two officers, Hosea Habila and Jibrin Labaran, engaged suspected illegal miners with firearms without authorization. Both officers have been dismissed and recommended for prosecution.

The Commandant General further disclosed that four other personnel are currently facing disciplinary proceedings and possible prosecution over allegations of illegal arms dealing. The investigation is being conducted by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police.

The officers under investigation are Superintendent Tesie Victor Nnamdi of the Enugu State Command, Assistant Superintendent II Okwuruinya Uchenna of the Ebonyi State Command, Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the Ebonyi State Command, and Superintendent Achor Favour of the Nasarawa State Command.

While the first three officers are being investigated over alleged involvement in illegal arms trafficking, Superintendent Achor Favour is facing administrative disciplinary proceedings following public concerns over the alleged mistreatment and negligence of a teenage domestic worker, Mercy Hajara Muhammad.

In a related operation, the Corps’ Special Intelligence Squad arrested nine suspects across Ebonyi, Enugu, Kogi and Niger states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, in connection with illegal firearms and ammunition trafficking.

The suspects were identified as Friday Nnanna Ujor, 51; Chika Sampson Nwozaku, 48; Nnanna Ujor Chinasa, 45; Nnanna Fountain; Nnanna Abundant Ifechukwu; and three NSCDC officers, namely Tesie Victor Nnamdi, Okwuruinya Uchenna, and Obaji Sampson.

As part of its ongoing efforts to protect Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), NSCDC operatives also intercepted six suspected vandals on July 25, 2026, at Sabon Wuse. The suspects were caught conveying a trailer load of vandalized railway sleepers concealed in a blue DAF trailer bearing registration number ZAR 618 XT.

In another operation, two suspected members of a vandalism syndicate, Raphael Danjuma and Isaac Zegbe, from Toto and Bassa Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, were arrested for allegedly vandalizing electrical installations and cables in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

Professor Audi stressed that the misconduct of the affected personnel should not be used to judge the character and professionalism of the overwhelming majority of NSCDC officers who continue to serve the nation with dedication, integrity, and patriotism.

He reiterated the Corps’ determination to cleanse its ranks of unethical elements while intensifying efforts to combat vandalism, illegal mining, arms trafficking, and other crimes threatening national security and economic development.

The NSCDC boss also assured that all suspects and affected personnel would be accorded their constitutional rights to fair hearing and due process as administrative and legal proceedings continue.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and actionable intelligence to security agencies, noting that effective collaboration between citizens and law enforcement remains crucial to safeguarding Nigeria’s security and critical national assets.