The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismissed two operatives of its Mining Marshal Unit for unlawfully providing illegal miners with firearms. The announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja by the Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, through the corps' spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi.
Dismissal and Prosecution
Mr Audi stated that the actions of the dismissed personnel contradicted established guidelines and constituted grave misconduct, professional negligence, and conduct prejudicial to the corps' discipline and operational integrity. Consequently, both personnel have been dismissed from the service and recommended for prosecution in accordance with the law.
Commander Exonerated
The corps also exonerated the Mining Marshals Commander, John Onoja, whose team was allegedly linked to the diversion of N2 billion and a cover-up of circumstances leading to the death of a personnel, Levi Agada, in Nasarawa state. Mr Audi said comprehensive investigations cleared Mr Onoja, the lead prosecutor, and other members of the management team of any alleged complicity. He added that allegations suggesting otherwise were found to be false and without factual basis.
Investigation Findings
The dismissal was based on the recommendation for prosecution following the operational incident of 18 February in Nasarawa, which led to the death of their location commander, Levi Agada. Investigations also established that there was no evidence of premeditated intent against the deceased.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the demise of Mr Agada led to several controversial publications by some media organisations regarding the operations of the mining marshal unit headed by Mr Onoja. Mr Onoja had previously dismissed allegations linking his team to the diversion of N2 billion and the cover-up of circumstances surrounding Agada's death.
Broader Sanctions
NAN further reports that the two former mining marshals were among the 37 personnel recently dismissed from the Corps, while 42 others were sanctioned for various offences.
