The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has instructed the immediate withdrawal of a Senate petition filed by one of its officers against the Nigeria Police Force. This decision follows reports of an alleged shooting incident involving NSCDC Mining Marshals at an illegal mining site in Nasarawa State.
The petition, submitted by the Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshal unit, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, was addressed to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. It accused some police officers of attacking the marshals and interfering with their attempt to prosecute suspects arrested for illegal mining.
However, the NSCDC’s National Public Relations Officer, CSC Afolabi Babawale, issued a statement in Abuja clarifying that the petition was unauthorized. According to him, the Commandant General disapproved of the officer’s actions and emphasized that the petition did not reflect the Corps’ official position.
The statement confirmed that the officer had acted outside his responsibilities and was instructed to withdraw the petition immediately. Dr. Audi stressed that the Corps values its working relationship with the Nigeria Police and intends to resolve the matter amicably.
He acknowledged the support NSCDC has received from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and highlighted the importance of maintaining interagency cooperation. As part of efforts to de-escalate the situation, the NSCDC is seeking a joint investigation with the Police to clarify the events in Nasarawa.
The Commandant General personally apologized to the IGP for any embarrassment caused by the petition. He confirmed that disciplinary steps are under consideration for the officer involved. Dr. Audi reaffirmed his commitment to collaborating with the Police to enhance security across the country.
