NSCDC Sanctions 79 Over Misconduct, Clears Mining Marshals Commander

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has cleared the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja, and other members of the unit’s management team of allegations of complicity, cover-up and diversion of funds in connection with the killing of Mining Marshals Location commander, Levi Agada, in Nasarawa State.

The Corps, however, dismissed two operatives of the Mining Marshals Unit, Hosea Habila and Jibrin Labaran, over their involvement in the 18 February 2026 operational incident at Rafin Gabas, Kokona Local Government Area of the state, which led to Agada’s death.

The NSCDC said investigations established that the two personnel engaged suspected illegal miners with firearms without operational authorisation, describing their actions as grave misconduct, professional negligence, and conduct prejudicial to the discipline and operational integrity of the Corps.

Although investigators found no evidence of premeditated intent against the deceased officer, the two officers were dismissed from service and recommended for criminal prosecution.

Announcing the outcome of the investigations on Wednesday, the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, said comprehensive findings exonerated ACC Onoja, the lead prosecutor and other members of the Mining Marshals management team, adding that allegations linking them to a cover-up, diversion of funds or any form of complicity were false and without factual basis.

Represented by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the Commandant General said the disciplinary measures were based on due process and targeted only personnel found culpable of breaches of service rules.

Beyond the Mining Marshals case, the NSCDC disclosed that it had sanctioned 79 personnel for various acts of professional misconduct, with disciplinary proceedings concluded against 75 officers, while four others are still undergoing administrative processes.

The affected personnel comprised: one Assistant Commandant General (ACG), two deputy commandants (DCs), 35 senior officers and 37 junior officers.

Their offences, according to him, include job racketeering, illegal recruitment, financial misconduct, theft, absence without official leave, professional negligence, acts prejudicial to state security, and other breaches of service discipline.

The commandant general said sanctions imposed ranged from dismissal and compulsory retirement to recommendations for criminal prosecution in line with the Public Service Rules and the NSCDC Conditions of Service.

In a related development, Audi disclosed that four personnel are currently facing disciplinary proceedings by the Commandant General’s Special Intelligence Squad (CG’s SIS), in collaboration with the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police, over alleged illegal arms dealing.

He listed the affected personnel to include Superintendent Tesie Victor Nnamdi of the Enugu State Command, Assistant Superintendent II Okwuruinya Uchenna and Assistant Superintendent II Obaji Sampson of the Ebonyi State Command, while Superintendent Achor Favour of the Nasarawa State Command is undergoing separate administrative proceedings over allegations relating to the treatment of a teenage domestic helper.

This is even as Prof Audi also announced the arrest of 12 suspects in operations targeting illegal firearms trafficking and vandalism of critical national assets.

He said, “Nine suspects, including three NSCDC personnel, were arrested over alleged illegal firearms and ammunition dealing in Ebonyi, Enugu, Kogi and Niger states as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

The Corps boss further disclosed that operatives intercepted six suspected vandals transporting a trailer load of vandalised railway sleepers concealed in a blue DAF truck with registration number ZAR 618 XT at Sabon Wuse on 25 July.

“Similarly, Raphael Danjuma and Isaac Zegbe were arrested for allegedly vandalising electrical installations and cables in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, he stated

Professor Audi maintained that the misconduct of a few personnel would not define the Corps’ image, stressing that the overwhelming majority of officers remain committed to professionalism, discipline, and the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure.

He assured that all affected personnel and suspects would continue to enjoy their constitutional right to due process and fair hearing as administrative and judicial processes continue.