The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has ordered the immediate withdrawal of a petition allegedly submitted by the Commander of its Mining Marshal unit, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.
The petition reportedly raised concerns over an alleged attack and shooting of NSCDC mining marshals by police officers in Nasarawa State, and accused the police of obstructing the Corps’ efforts to prosecute suspected illegal miners.
In a formal statement referencing AAA.03/CPRU/NHQ/ABJ/VOL.02/06, the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, distanced the Corps from the petition, describing it as unauthorized and filed without management approval.
“The Commander acted outside his purview, and as such, the Corps Management dissociates itself from the petition,” Dr. Audi stated. “He has been directed to withdraw it immediately to allow for an amicable resolution of the matter in the spirit of our longstanding inter-agency cooperation.”
Dr. Audi emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), has consistently demonstrated support for the NSCDC’s operations, particularly in the shared fight against illegal mining and other national security concerns.
“The IGP has encouraged a collaborative approach between the Police, NSCDC, and other sister agencies to advance the goals of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he noted.
While reaffirming his commitment to inter-agency synergy, the Commandant General revealed that internal disciplinary measures are being considered for the officer involved. He also called for a joint investigation with the Nigeria Police to objectively determine the facts surrounding the incident in Nasarawa State.
“I have personally spoken to the IGP and sincerely apologized for any embarrassment this petition may have caused. I have directed that it be withdrawn to facilitate a peaceful and administrative resolution,” Dr. Audi added.
The NSCDC reiterated its commitment to strong institutional collaboration with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in tackling crime and safeguarding national interests.