The NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, said this during a news conference on Wednesday at the corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja.
Audi, represented by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said disciplinary proceedings involving 75 personnel had been concluded, while four others were undergoing administrative processes over separate allegations.
He said the sanctioned officers comprised one Assistant Commandant-General, two Deputy Commandants, 35 other senior officers and 37 junior officers.
According to him, the offences included job racketeering, illegal recruitment, financial misconduct, sabotage, theft, negligence, dishonesty, absenteeism and other violations of service regulations.
He said penalties imposed ranged from dismissal and compulsory retirement to dismissal with recommendations for criminal prosecution where criminal liability was established.
Audi disclosed that 37 personnel were dismissed after disciplinary proceedings, including two operatives of the Mining Marshals Unit linked to a February operational incident in Nasarawa State that resulted in the death of their commander.
He said investigations found no evidence of premeditated intent but established that the operatives unlawfully engaged illegal miners with firearms without operational authorisation, contrary to approved procedures.
“Their actions constituted grave misconduct, negligence and indiscipline,” he said.
Audi said investigations cleared the Mining Marshals Commander, John Onoja, the lead prosecutor and other members of the management team of alleged complicity.
“Allegations suggesting otherwise were found to be false and without factual basis,” he said.
The NSCDC boss presented four personnel currently undergoing disciplinary proceedings and the two dismissed Mining Marshals operatives before journalists.
According to him, three of the officers were transferred from the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police over alleged illegal arms and ammunition dealings.
He added that the fourth officer was facing disciplinary proceedings over alleged negligence and misconduct involving the treatment of a teenage domestic helper.
Audi directed that all disciplinary cases be concluded promptly and criminal matters prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“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.
He urged Nigerians not to view the misconduct of the affected personnel as a reflection of the professionalism and dedication of the majority of officers and men of the corps.
“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.
In a related development, Audi said NSCDC operatives arrested four suspected vandals in the Sabon Wuse area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) while transporting suspected vandalised railway materials.
He said the suspects would be prosecuted for criminal conspiracy, malicious damage to public property, acts of terrorism and unlawful possession of suspected stolen property.
According to him, operatives recovered a truck loaded with vandalised railway sleepers and other railway materials from the suspects.
Audi also disclosed that two suspected power infrastructure vandals were arrested at Angwa Dudu in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT.
He said the suspects allegedly conspired to vandalise electricity cables and power lines serving the area and would be prosecuted accordingly.
The NSCDC boss added that efforts were ongoing to recover stolen electrical installations linked to the suspects.
He further revealed that intelligence-led operations resulted in the arrest of six civilian suspects over alleged illegal firearms transactions and related security offences.
According to him, the principal suspect was intercepted in Enugu with military-grade weapons, ammunition, tactical equipment and suspected improvised explosive device materials.
He said follow-up operations in Enugu and Ebonyi states led to the arrest of five additional suspects linked to the alleged firearms syndicate.
“Recovered from the suspects were pump-action guns, ammunition, pistols, communication gadgets, mobile phones, combat equipment, identity documents and other items,” he said.
Audi said all suspects would remain in custody while investigations and legal processes continued.
He reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of critical national assets, urging Nigerians to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
“We appreciate the support of Nigerians and encourage members of the public to continue partnering with the corps by providing credible and timely information that will assist in strengthening internal accountability, professionalism and public trust,” he said.(NAN)
