The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has ordered the immediate detention of its personnel accused of extorting ₦5.2 million from a traveler, following a directive from the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The directive, made public in a statement issued Wednesday by NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale, comes in the wake of widespread outrage on social media, where the alleged incident first surfaced.
According to reports, the officers in question allegedly extorted the funds from a young man traveling from Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State to Akure, Ondo State.
Reacting swiftly, Commandant General of the NSCDC, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, condemned the reported conduct, describing it as “unprofessional” and in clear violation of the Corps’ Code of Ethics and Standard Operating Procedures.
In response, Audi has ordered that the implicated officers be transferred immediately to the Corps’ national headquarters in Abuja for detention. A disciplinary panel has also been convened to launch a thorough investigation into the matter.
“Acting on the directive of the Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Commandant General has taken decisive steps to address this grave allegation. The concerned officers have been detained to ensure an unfettered investigation by a specially constituted disciplinary committee,” the statement read.
Dr. Audi emphasized that the Corps would apply the full weight of the Public Service Rules in disciplining any officer found guilty, reiterating his zero-tolerance stance on misconduct.
“This administration will not condone any form of corruption or abuse of power. Any officer proven to have acted outside the law will be dealt with firmly and transparently,” he added.
He further urged the public to maintain trust in the Corps and continue to share information vital to national security and accountability, assuring citizens that they would be protected from any form of intimidation or exploitation.
“The public should have no fear—under my watch, no corrupt officer will be shielded,” the Commandant General stated.
The development marks a decisive moment for the NSCDC, as it seeks to reinforce public confidence and uphold the integrity of its personnel across the country.
