The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has detained some of its officers for allegedly extorting ₦5.2 million from a traveller.
This action follows an order from the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The incident became public after a social media post claimed that the officers extorted the money from a young man travelling from Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, to Akure, Ondo State.
In a statement on Wednesday, NSCDC spokesperson Afolabi Babawale said the Commandant General of the Corps, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, strongly condemned the officers’ actions, describing them as unprofessional and against the Corps’ Code of Ethics.
Dr. Audi has ordered that the officers be taken to the NSCDC national headquarters in Abuja for detention. He also set up a disciplinary committee to fully investigate the matter.
“Following the directive of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for an immediate investigation into allegations of extortion involving officers of the Corps, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Audi, has ordered the immediate detention of the alleged officers,” the statement read.
“The culprits have been moved to the Corps’ headquarters in Abuja for detention, so the disciplinary committee can begin a full investigation.”
Audi added that if the officers are found guilty, they will be punished according to the Public Service Rules.
He also urged Nigerians to keep working with the NSCDC and to report any wrongdoing by officers without fear of being harassed.
“The Corps under my watch will not tolerate any form of misconduct,” Audi said. “We remain committed to transparency, and I will not shield anyone found guilty of corruption.”
The NSCDC assured the public that justice will be served and that any officer involved in corrupt acts will be held accountable.
