Abuja: The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced the dismissal of two operatives from the Mining Marshal Unit for their involvement in the illegal provision of firearms to unauthorized miners. This action comes as part of a broader effort to maintain the integrity and discipline within the corps.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi, speaking through NSCDC Spokesperson Babawale Afolabi, emphasized that the dismissed personnel had violated established guidelines. Their actions were deemed as grave misconduct and professional negligence, which undermined the operational integrity of the corps. These individuals have not only been dismissed but are also recommended for prosecution under the law.
The decision to dismiss the officers follows an operational incident in Nasarawa on February 18, which resulted in the death of location commander Levi Agada. This incident had sparked controversial media coverage regarding the operations of the mining marshal unit, led by Commander ACC John Onoja, who was initially linked to the misappropriation of N2 billion and alleged cover-up of Agada’s death circumstances.
Comprehensive investigations have since exonerated Onoja and his team from any alleged complicity. The NSCDC investigation found no factual basis for the allegations against them and determined there was no evidence of premeditated intent regarding Agada’s death. The clearance of Onoja and his team was part of a broader review that led to the dismissal of 37 personnel and sanctions against 42 others for various offenses.