NSCDC fires two officers for illegal gun supply, clears mining commander

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sacked two officers from its Mining Marshal Unit. They were found guilty of giving illegal miners guns.

The corps also cleared the Mining Marshals Commander, John Onoja. His team was accused of being involved in the misappropriation of N2 billion and covering up the death of a personnel, Levi Agada, in Nasarawa state.

NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi spoke to journalists about the dismissals on Wednesday in Abuja. He said the actions of the two officers went against the established rules.

Mr Audi, represented by NSCDC spokesman Babawale Afolabi, said their actions were serious misconduct and showed negligence. They also harmed the corps’ discipline and operational integrity.

"As a result, both officers have been fired and recommended for prosecution according to the law," he said.

The commandant general explained that the officers' dismissal came after a recommendation for prosecution. This was linked to an incident on 18 February in Nasarawa, which led to the death of their location commander, Levi Agada.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Agada's death caused many controversial stories from some media about the mining marshal unit led by Mr Onoja.

NAN also noted that Mr Onoja denied the claims that his team was involved in the misallocation of N2 billion and the cover-up of Agada’s death.

During the briefing, the NSCDC leader stated that thorough investigations cleared Mr Onoja, the lead prosecutor, and other management team members of any involvement in the allegations.

"Allegations suggesting otherwise were found to be false and without factual basis," he said.

Mr Audi added that investigations showed there was no evidence that the death was planned or intentional.

NAN also reports that the two dismissed mining marshals were part of the 37 personnel recently fired from the Corps. Additionally, 42 others faced sanctions for different offenses.