The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has sanctioned 66 personnel across its formations nationwide over various offences, including involvement in arms dealing, as the agency intensifies efforts to enforce discipline and accountability within its ranks.
The Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi, disclosed this on Friday during an interview with journalists in Abuja, explaining that the disciplinary measures followed investigations into allegations of misconduct against the affected officers.
Audi said the sanctions included dismissal, compulsory retirement, demotion and formal warnings, depending on the nature and severity of the offences committed.
He disclosed that the disciplinary decisions were approved by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board after the affected personnel had undergone established investigative and disciplinary procedures.
“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 chief explained that the disciplinary process involved orderly room trials and investigations by relevant staff disciplinary committees before the board approved the sanctions.
He added that the affected personnel were drawn from various formations, including state commands, zonal commands, area commands, the National Headquarters and other units across the country.
Audi warned that the corps would not tolerate indiscipline or any conduct capable of undermining its professional standards, describing the sanctions as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and discourage misconduct among personnel.
“The culture of any military or paramilitary organisation stands or is built on discipline,” he stated.
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 personnel welfare and strengthening the operational capacity of the corps.
