The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has detained several of its officers accused of extorting ₦5.2 million from a group of young travelers in Ekiti State. The incident, which allegedly occurred during a journey from Ado-Ekiti to Akure, Ondo State, was brought to light through a viral social media post. The video purportedly shows NSCDC personnel demanding and collecting the substantial sum from the travelers.
In response to the allegations, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, directed an immediate investigation into the matter. Following this directive, NSCDC Commandant-General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered the detention of the implicated officers and their transfer to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja for further investigation. The move aims to facilitate a thorough inquiry by the Corps’ disciplinary committee, as mandated by the Minister.
Dr. Audi condemned the officers’ actions, describing them as “highly condemnable and unprofessional,” noting that such conduct contravenes the NSCDC’s Code of Ethics and Standard Operating Procedure. He assured the public that the Corps would not shield any officer found guilty of misconduct and emphasized that appropriate sanctions would be applied in accordance with the Public Service Rules.
The Minister of Interior reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a disciplined and professional paramilitary force, stating that any officer found guilty would face the full weight of the law. He emphasized that the administration would not tolerate any form of misconduct within security agencies and would ensure that justice is upheld.
This development underscores the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and abuse of power within security agencies, aiming to restore public trust and ensure that personnel serve with integrity and accountability.
