NSCDC Detains Officers Over N5.2m Extortion Allegation
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the detention of officers for allegedly extorting N5.2m from a young man travelling from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State to Akure, Ondo State.
This follows a directive issued on Tuesday April 22, by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who had ordered a thorough investigation into a viral social media report.
The minister had condemned the alleged misconduct, and reiterated the Federal Government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, abuse of power, and indiscipline within the country’s paramilitary agencies.
“We are building a paramilitary that is disciplined, professional, and serves Nigeria and Nigerians with a sense of dignity and patriotism. In this case, we will ensure that justice is upheld,” the Minister stated.
Responding to the directive via a statement signed on Wednesday by the NSCDC spokesperson, CSC Afolabi Babawale, the CG described the accused officers’ conduct as unprofessional and a gross violation of the corps’ Code of Ethics and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
He directed that the officers be immediately transferred to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja for detention and to face a disciplinary committee set up to conduct a full-scale investigation.
Audi stressed that the Corps would not tolerate acts that bring disrepute to its name and pledged to apply the full weight of the law if the officers are found guilty, in line with the Public Service Rules (PSR). He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to upholding professionalism, accountability, and discipline within its ranks.
“I want to reassure Nigerians that no one found culpable will be shielded. Every officer will be held accountable for their actions, and appropriate sanctions will be applied to serve as a deterrent to others,” the CG said.
He further urged members of the public not to lose trust in the Corps, while encouraging continued cooperation and information-sharing without fear of harassment, intimidation, or extortion.
He also urged the public not to lose trust in the Corps, encouraging citizens to continue cooperating and providing vital information without fear of intimidation, harassment, or extortion.
NSCDC Detains Officers Over N5.2m Extortion Allegation is first published on The Whistler Newspaper