Mining Marshals: NSCDC Boss Disowns Petition, Seeks Joint Police Probe

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has firmly distanced the Corps from a petition submitted to the Senate over the alleged shooting of Mining Marshals by Police officers in Nasarawa State.

In a statement issued by the Corps spokesperson, CSC Afolabi Babawale, the CG expressed deep displeasure over the action of the officer in charge of the Mining Marshal unit, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, who reportedly filed the petition without clearance from the Corps’ leadership.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the petition, addressed to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions, alleged that Police officers not only shot at Mining Marshals but also obstructed prosecution efforts against illegal miners.

“The officer acted unilaterally and without the knowledge or authorisation of NSCDC management. Such actions do not reflect the position or policy of the Civil Defence Corps,” Dr. Audi stated.

According to the statement, Dr. Audi has ordered the immediate withdrawal of the petition and expressed regret over the embarrassment it may have caused the Inspector General of Police and other concerned authorities.

“I spoke with the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and apologised for the incident. This matter will be handled administratively, without rancour or media escalation.” He stated.

Reaffirming NSCDC’s commitment to interagency cooperation, the CG called for a joint investigation with the Nigeria Police to uncover what transpired during the incident thoroughly.

“The IGP has been a strong partner in our national security efforts,” the CG noted, highlighting the importance of unity in achieving President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We will not allow internal missteps to undermine this crucial collaboration.

The CG noted that the office of the IGP has been very supportive of the Corps’ operations by enjoining the Police to work closely with the Corps and other Services to enhance national security,” he added.

This is even as he disclosed that disciplinary measures are already being considered against the errant officer as the Corps works to prevent a repeat of such an incident.

“Our resolve remains unshaken to synergise with sister agencies and stamp out crime across Nigeria,” Dr Audi affirmed.