ABUJA — The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismissed 38 senior officers, including one Assistant Commandant General (ACG), for offences including gross misconduct, insubordination, and acts unbecoming of superior officers, in accordance with the Public Service Rules (PSR). Additionally, 20 junior officers were sacked for serious infractions such as job racketeering, extortion, aiding illegal dealings in petroleum products, fraudulent practices, gun running, and other misconduct.
The announcements were made on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, by NSCDC Commandant General Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, as part of a broader disciplinary sweep that sanctioned a total of 76 personnel—both senior and junior—throughout the year. The actions followed recommendations from the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) and the NSCDC's Senior and Junior Staff Disciplinary Committees.
In a statement issued by NSCDC National Public Relations Officer Babawale Afolabi, the Commandant General emphasized zero tolerance for indiscipline. "The NSCDC under my leadership will not condone acts capable of tarnishing the image of the service," Audi stated, while noting rewards for exemplary officers. The sanctions aim to reposition the Corps for enhanced professionalism, effective service delivery, and public confidence.
For senior officers, the Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee reviewed cases leading to the dismissal of 38 personnel, including the high-ranking ACG. Additional measures for other seniors included demotions: two officers demoted by two ranks, one by one rank with loss of seniority, and five issued warning letters.
The Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee handled 30 cases, resulting in 20 dismissals, three demotions by one rank, and seven warning letters. Offences highlighted included absence without leave (AWOL), fraud, and involvement in illegal petroleum activities—issues that undermine the Corps' mandate to protect critical national assets and infrastructure.
Audi reiterated the Corps' commitment to reforms, including clearing promotion backlogs, career progression courses, life insurance for personnel, federal character compliance in appointments, and gender inclusivity. He charged remaining officers to uphold loyalty, regimental discipline, and professionalism, especially with expanded responsibilities like VIP protection duties assigned by presidential order.
The NSCDC, established in 1967 and statutorily empowered in 2003/2007, plays a vital role in civil defence, disaster management, and safeguarding public infrastructure. Recent years have seen efforts to curb internal corruption, including job racketeering scandals and probes into contract irregularities.
These mass dismissals represent one of the largest single disciplinary actions in the Corps' history, signaling a crackdown amid growing public scrutiny of paramilitary agencies. Stakeholders have welcomed the move as a step toward accountability, though it highlights challenges in maintaining ethical standards within security institutions.
The Commandant General assured that the Corps remains focused on its core mandates, including anti-vandalism operations, disaster response, and community engagement. With manpower adjustments necessitated by the sanctions, recruitment and training drives may follow to fill gaps.
Public reactions have been mixed, with praise for anti-corruption efforts but concerns over potential impacts on operational capacity. Civil society groups have called for transparent investigations and protections for whistleblowers.
As Nigeria grapples with security and economic issues, the NSCDC's internal cleansing is viewed as essential for restoring trust and effectiveness in protecting lives and property.
