NSCDC Sanctions 79 Personnel, Arrests 12 Suspects for Vandalism and Illegal Arms

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sanctioned 79 personnel for various offenses and arrested 12 suspects in connection with pipeline vandalism and illegal firearms dealings.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja, NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi represented by corps spokesperson Babawale Afolabi stated that disciplinary proceedings had concluded for 75 personnel, while four others remain under administrative review. The sanctioned officers include one Assistant Commandant-General, two Deputy Commandants, 35 senior officers, and 37 junior officers, facing penalties ranging from dismissal to compulsory retirement for infractions such as job racketeering, financial misconduct, sabotage, and negligence. Notably, 37 personnel were dismissed, including two Mining Marshals recommended for prosecution over an operational incident in Nasarawa State.

In separate operations, the corps arrested four suspected vandals transporting railway materials in the Sabon Wuse area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and two others linked to the vandalism of electricity cables in Gwagwalada. Additionally, intelligence-led operations led to the arrest of six civilian suspects over alleged illegal firearms transactions, with operatives recovering military-grade weapons, ammunition, and tactical equipment.