NSCDC sanctions 66 personnel over misconduct

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sanctioned 66 personnel across its formations nationwide over various offences, including involvement in arms dealing.

The Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi, disclosed this during an interview with journalists on Friday in Abuja.

Audi said the disciplinary measures included dismissal, compulsory retirement, demotion and warnings, depending on the nature and severity of the offences committed.

He explained that the sanctions followed investigations into allegations of misconduct against the affected personnel and were approved by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB).

According to him, some of the officers involved in serious offences would face prosecution, while others had already been dismissed after undergoing prosecution.

“Some of them are to face prosecution while some had been dismissed after facing prosecution. They will be prosecuted because of the veracity of the offence, level and kind of offence they have committed,” he said.

The NSCDC boss noted that all affected personnel had undergone established disciplinary procedures, including orderly room trials and investigations by relevant staff disciplinary committees, before the board approved the sanctions.

He added that the personnel were drawn from State Commands, Zonal Commands, Area Commands, the National Headquarters and other formations across the country.

Audi stressed that the corps would not tolerate indiscipline or any conduct capable of undermining its professional standards, describing the disciplinary exercise as a measure to strengthen accountability and deter other personnel from violating the organisation’s rules and regulations.

“The culture of any military or paramilitary organisation stands or is built on discipline,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Commandant General disclosed that approximately 17,000 personnel had recently been promoted following a promotion exercise involving about 22,000 officers and men.

He explained that those promoted met the required performance standards and qualified based on available vacancies approved by the Federal Government.

Audi said the promotion results were ready and would be displayed on the corps’ notice boards to enable personnel to verify their outcomes.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting the promotion exercise and other institutional reforms aimed at improving the welfare and professional capacity of the corps.

NAN