The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has distanced itself from a petition reportedly submitted to the Senate by one of its officers, ACC Attah John Onoja, over an alleged clash with police personnel during anti-illegal mining operations in Nasarawa State.
Onoja, who serves as the Commander of the NSCDC’s Mining Marshal, was said to have filed a petition before the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions.
The petition alleged an attack on his team by officers of the Nigeria Police Force and raised concerns about police interference in the prosecution of arrested illegal miners.
However, the NSCDC’s National Headquarters has reacted strongly to the development. In a statement issued by CSC Afolabi Babawale, the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, the Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, expressed displeasure over the action, describing it as unauthorized and beyond the commander’s jurisdiction.
“The officer acted unilaterally and without clearance from the Corps’ leadership,” the statement read. “As such, the NSCDC dissociates completely from the said petition and has directed ACC Onoja to withdraw it immediately.”
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The NSCDC emphasized the importance of maintaining a cooperative inter-agency relationship, especially between the Corps and the Nigeria Police Force.
It noted that both institutions have enjoyed a history of collaboration, bolstered by the cordial relationship between the Commandant General and the Inspector General of Police.
Highlighting the IGP’s ongoing support for NSCDC operations, the statement reiterated the shared commitment of both agencies to national security and the realisation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda.
The NSCDC leadership disclosed that it is currently reviewing the matter internally and considering disciplinary measures against the officer.
“I have spoken directly with the IGP and extended my sincere apologies for any embarrassment the petition may have caused,” CG Audi said.
The Corps reiterated its dedication to inter-agency synergy in the fight against crime and illegal activities, particularly in critical sectors like mining.