The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has sanctioned 79 of its personnel for offences of theft, financial misconduct, job recruitment scam and other breaches of service regulations.
The NSCDC held that it held the enforcement on the affected persons, including an Assistant Commandant-General, two Deputy Commandants and 35 other senior officers as well as 37 junior officers over the irregularities which also included absenteeism from work, negligence and dishonesty, also adding that four others are placed on administrative processes over differences, all carried out to enforce discipline within the agency, as disclosed by the Commandant General, Ahmed Audi.
Audi, during a Press Briefing on Wednesday, at the Corps headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, held that some of the other sanctioned persons were two mining marshals who have been recommended for prosecution over an operational incident in February which led to the death of a commander in Nasarawa State.
The agency’s boss said that investigations have not given out any evidence of premeditated intent but established that the duo unlawfully engaged in illegal miners with firearms without operational authorization, contrary to the established procedures.
He informed that three of the accused facing ongoing disciplinary cases were transferred from the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police over alleged illegal arms and ammunition dealings, adding the other is facing allegations of negligence, misconduct and indecent treatment of a teenage domestic helper.
Audi directed that all cases be concluded promptly, while the criminal matters should be prosecuted in line with the directives of the law.
The agency’s head mentioned that the public should not see the report of misconduct of the officers as a reflection of character of all officers of the NSCDC, adding that it remains keen on professionalism and dedication from its workers, paramounting honour, integrity and selfless commitment from the officers.
“It is equally important to emphasise that the personnel presented today remain entitled to all constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence until the appropriate disciplinary bodies and courts of competent jurisdiction determine otherwise,” he said
“The corps will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
“Any personnel found wanting, irrespective of rank or position, will be held accountable in accordance with the law and the regulations governing the agency,” Audi said