NSCDC Boss Orders Immediate Withdrawal of Senate Petition Over Police Shooting Incident

NSCDC Boss Orders Immediate Withdrawal of Senate Petition Over Police Shooting Incident

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has directed the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, to immediately withdraw a petition submitted to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

The petition, which alleged that policemen attacked and shot at NSCDC Mining Marshals and obstructed prosecution of illegal miners in Nasarawa State, has drawn the ire of the NSCDC leadership.

Dr. Audi expressed strong displeasure over the petition, stating that Onoja failed to utilize internal mechanisms available for resolving disputes among security agencies before approaching the Senate.

According to the NSCDC, Onoja acted unilaterally and without authorization from the Corps’ management. In a statement issued by the Corps Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC leadership officially distanced itself from the petition and directed the officer to retract it immediately.

The Corps stated that the withdrawal of the petition is necessary to foster “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.”

“It was also discovered that the IGP was not aware of the complaints before the petition was written by the officer,” Babawale said.

He continued: “The CG noted that the office of the IGP has been very supportive of the Corps’ operations by enjoining the Police to work closely with the Corps and other Services to enhance national security and the realisation of Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”

Babawale also noted that the NSCDC is currently evaluating the appropriate disciplinary action to be taken against the officer involved.

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He added that a joint investigation with the Nigeria Police will be carried out to uncover the truth behind the incident and provide solutions to the ongoing tension.

“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 I have also directed that the petition be withdrawn immediately with a view to resolving it administratively without any rancour,” Dr. Audi said.

The Commandant General reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to continued collaboration with the Nigeria Police in the fight against crime and in pursuit of national security objectives.