The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Audi, has issued a formal apology to the Inspector General of Police and directed the immediate withdrawal of a petition submitted without authorization by one of the Corps’ officers.
The petition, allegedly filed by Assistant Commandant of Corps Attah Onoja, who heads the NSCDC’s Mining Marshal, was reportedly submitted to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions. It contained allegations of assault and obstruction by police officers against NSCDC personnel involved in anti-illegal mining operations in Nasarawa State.
However, in a statement released on Sunday by the NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, the Corps distanced itself from the petition, clarifying that the officer acted unilaterally and without prior clearance from management.
“The Commander of the Mining Marshal acted outside his purview by filing the petition without the authorisation of the Management,” the statement said.
The NSCDC leadership emphasized its commitment to maintaining a positive inter-agency relationship with the Nigeria Police Force and signaled its intention to resolve the matter amicably.
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“The Corps Management therefore dissociates itself from the petition while the officer has been directed to immediately withdraw the said petition to allow for a smooth and amicable resolution of issues raised in the spirit of the robust interagency relationship between the Nigeria Police and the Corps as well as the harmonious working relationship between the IGP and the CG.”
In a gesture of goodwill, the Commandant General has called for a joint investigation with the Police Force to determine the facts of the incident in question.
“The CG has requested for a joint investigation with the police with a view to unravelling what actually transpired as we work towards finding a common ground,” the statement added.
Dr. Audi also personally reached out to the Inspector General of Police, expressing his regret over the episode and extending a heartfelt apology.
“I have spoken to the IGP on the matter and sincerely apologise for the embarrassment that the petition might have caused. I have also directed that the petition be withdrawn immediately with a view to resolving it administratively without any rancor,” he said.
The NSCDC further noted that internal disciplinary measures are under consideration in light of the officer’s unauthorized actions.
Reaffirming the Corps’ dedication to national security collaboration, Dr. Audi underscored the importance of unity among Nigeria’s security agencies, especially under the broader vision of the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Inspector General of Police has consistently supported the NSCDC’s operations and has encouraged inter-agency collaboration in the interest of national security,” the statement highlighted.
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