NSCDC Cracks Down on Erring Personnel, Arrests 12 Over Arms, Vandalism
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has sanctioned 79 personnel for various acts of professional misconduct and arrested 12 suspects over alleged illegal arms dealing and vandalism of critical national infrastructure in one of the agency’s most extensive internal disciplinary exercises in recent years.
The disciplinary actions were announced on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at the Corps National Headquarters in Abuja by the Corps spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, on behalf of Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar.
According to the Corps, disciplinary proceedings were concluded for 75 personnel, comprising one Assistant Commandant General, two Deputy Commandants, 35 other senior officers and 37 junior officers, while four additional personnel are still undergoing separate disciplinary processes.
Afolabi said the offences ranged from job racketeering, financial misconduct, theft and absence from duty without official leave to acts considered prejudicial to state security.
He said, “The established infractions ranged from job racketeering, financial misconduct, theft, and absence on duty without official leave, to acts prejudicial to state security.”
He added that the penalties imposed include dismissal, compulsory retirement and recommendations for criminal prosecution where criminal liability was established.
“Sanctions applied against them include dismissal, compulsory retirement, and recommendation for criminal prosecution,” Afolabi said.
Among the cases reviewed was the Wednesday, February 18, 2026 operational incident at Rafin Gabas in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, where Mining Marshals Location Commander, Levi Agada lost his life during an operation against suspected illegal miners. Investigations established that two personnel, Hosea Habila and Jibrin Labaran, unlawfully engaged suspected illegal miners with firearms without operational authorisation, leading to their dismissal and recommendation for criminal prosecution.
The Corps also disclosed that four officers are facing fresh disciplinary proceedings, including three linked to alleged illegal arms and ammunition dealings and another accused of misconduct involving a teenage domestic worker.
On the operational front, NSCDC operatives arrested suspects connected with illegal firearms trafficking and infrastructure vandalism in intelligence-led operations across several states.
The arrests included suspects allegedly linked to an illegal firearms syndicate operating in Ebonyi, Enugu, Kogi, Niger and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as suspects accused of vandalising railway infrastructure and electricity installations. Recovered exhibits reportedly include firearms, ammunition, communication gadgets, tactical equipment, a truck loaded with vandalised railway sleepers and other suspected stolen public assets.
Afolabi said the ongoing actions reflect the Corps’ determination to uphold discipline and accountability within its ranks while protecting critical national assets.
He quoted Audi as reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to “institutional transparency, public safety and zero tolerance for compromise.”
The Corps, however, stressed that all affected personnel and suspects remain entitled to due process and urged Nigerians not to judge the entire organisation by the misconduct of a few officers, noting that the overwhelming majority continue to serve the country with professionalism and integrity.
