The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken disciplinary action against 66 personnel over various offences, including arms dealing, with some of the affected officers set to face prosecution.
The Commandant-General of the corps, Ahmed Audi, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja, explaining that the sanctions followed investigations into allegations of misconduct against the personnel.
He said the disciplinary measures, approved by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB), included dismissal, compulsory retirement, demotion and official warnings.
Audi explained that the severity of the offences determined the nature of punishment imposed on each officer, adding that personnel implicated in serious criminal activities would be prosecuted.
He noted that some of the affected officers had already been dismissed after prosecution, while others were awaiting legal proceedings.
The Commandant-General stressed that the disciplinary process was conducted in line with established regulations, with the officers appearing before orderly room trials and relevant disciplinary committees before the board approved the final decisions.
He said the sanctioned personnel were serving in different formations, including state commands, zonal commands, area commands and the corps' national headquarters.
Audi maintained that the NSCDC would not shield any personnel found violating its professional standards, warning that indiscipline and abuse of office would attract appropriate consequences.
He described discipline as the foundation of every paramilitary organisation, noting that the exercise was intended to promote accountability and prevent future misconduct.
Meanwhile, Audi revealed that approximately 17,000 personnel had been promoted following a recent exercise conducted by the corps.
He said about 22,000 officers participated in the promotion examination, but only 17,000 met the requirements for advancement based on their performance and available vacancies approved by the Federal Government.
According to him, the promotion results had been concluded and would be published on the corps' notice boards for affected personnel to confirm their status.
He also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his support towards the promotion exercise and ongoing efforts to strengthen the NSCDC.
