By Ahmad Dankogi

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says 66 personnel drawn from its formations nationwide have been sanctioned for various offences.

According to NAN, Ahmed Audi, NSCDC commandant general, during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Friday, said the punishment ranged from dismissal, compulsory retirement, demotion and warnings.

He said the disciplinary actions followed the approval of the Civil Defence, Correction, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) after investigations into allegations of misconduct against the affected personnel.

The CG detailed that the sanctions were imposed based on the nature and severity of the offences committed.

He said some of the offences were involvement in arms dealing, adding that officers found culpable of particularly serious offences would face prosecution.

“Some of them are to face prosecution while some had been dismissed after facing prosecution,” he said.

“They will be prosecuted because of the veracity of the offence, level and kind of offence they have committed.”

The NSCDC boss said all the affected personnel had undergone the established disciplinary procedures, including orderly room trials and relevant staff disciplinary committees, before the board approved the sanctions.

According to Audi, the affected officers were drawn from state, zonal and area commands, the national headquarters, and other formations across the country.

He noted that the NSCDC will not tolerate indiscipline or actions capable of undermining its professional standards.

The CG further said the exercise was intended to reinforce discipline within the corps and serve as a deterrent to other personnel.

“The culture of any military or paramilitary organisation stands or is built on discipline,” he said.

He, however, added that 17,000 NSCDC personnel had recently been promoted, describing the exercise as a morale booster for deserving officers and men.

Audi explained that approximately 22,000 personnel sat for the promotion examination, while about 17,000 qualified for promotion based on their performance and available vacancies approved by the federal government.

According to him, the promotion results were ready and would be displayed on the corps’ notice boards to enable personnel verify their outcomes.

He commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the necessary support and enabling environment for the promotion exercise and other institutional reforms within the corps. NAN