The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has condemned a misleading report linking the agency to a recent case of kidnapping, banditry, and illegal arms supply......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>
CSC Babawale Afolabi, the National Public Relations Officer of the corps, clarified that the persons involved were dismissed personnel who no longer represent the NSCDC.
Afolabi said the officers involved were arrested in October 2022, and the implicated individuals were dismissed from the Corps in 2023 following due disciplinary processes.
“The report wrongly portrays the incident as recent and falsely identifies the culprits as current NSCDC personnel. This is both misleading and inaccurate,” the statement read.
The NSCDC reaffirmed that the suspects acted independently and did not represent the agency in any capacity. It further clarified that the recent court proceedings related to the case are part of the judicial process stemming from the 2022 arrests.
“To set the record straight, the arrests in question were made in October 2022, concerning individuals who were at that time personnel of the Corps but have been dismissed since 2023.
“It is important to clarify that the suspects acted independently and did not represent the NSCDC in any capacity.
“The recent court proceedings held are part of the ongoing judicial process related to these arrests,” the statement noted.
The Corps reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for misconduct, indiscipline, and unpatriotic acts among its ranks.
According to NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, the agency remains committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in its operations.
“The NSCDC has implemented several reforms and initiatives to strengthen national security and remains steadfast in its duty to protect lives, properties, and critical national assets. Our collaborations with other security agencies, through joint task forces, training, and retraining programs, continue to enhance our effectiveness,” the statement read.
The NSCDC urged media outlets to practice accurate and balanced journalism, and warned against sensationalism and misrepresentation that could undermine public trust and tarnish the agency’s image.
“The Corps remains unwavering in its mandate to safeguard the nation and will continue to discharge its duties with integrity, discipline, and professionalism,” the statement added.
THE WHISTLER reports that the NSCDC denial follows the ongoing trial at the Federal High Court in Ibadan, where a Department of State Services (DSS) official, Mr. Stephen Okolo, disclosed on Monday, January 27, 2025, that advanced surveillance technology played a role in apprehending the suspects.
Okolo, who appeared as the first prosecution witness (PW1), revealed that technological surveillance tools helped track and arrest the accused individuals.
“My lord, following the increase in cases of kidnapping and banditry in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State and parts of Kwara, the DSS fashioned out a strategy to address the issue by deploying technical expertise and equipment,” Okolo testified before Justice N.E. Maha.
The NSCDC personnel in question—Olamide Okesola, Adedeji Adewale, and Asmau Omar—were arrested alongside Emmanuel Olatunji, for alleged unlicensed arms dealing.
The operation, which started in January 2023, also led to the arrest of Lawan Buhari, another dismissed NSCDC officer, who was allegedly supplying ammunition to terrorists.
In court, DSS operatives presented a bag containing 1,000 rounds of live ammunition as evidence, which was recovered during the investigation.
The prosecution alleged that the suspects conspired to supply AK-47 rifles and ammunition to criminal groups operating in the region.
The defendants currently face a 15-count amended charge, including conspiracy, terrorism, unlawful arms dealing, and aiding and abetting terrorism, but they have, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.