The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sanctioned 79 officers and men for various offences.
The corps also arrested six suspected pipeline vandals and six persons for their alleged involvement in illegal firearms dealings.
NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Ahmed Audi disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday at the corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja.
Audi, represented by the corps’ Public Relations Officer (PRO), Babawale Afolabi said disciplinary proceedings involving 75 personnel had been concluded while four others were undergoing administrative processes over separate allegations.
He said the sanctioned personnel included one Assistant Commandant-General, two Deputy Commandants, 35 other senior officers and 37 junior officers.
According to him, offences included job racketeering, illegal recruitment, financial misconduct, sabotage, theft, negligence, dishonesty, absenteeism and other breaches of service regulations.
He said penalties ranged from dismissal and compulsory retirement to dismissal with recommendations for criminal prosecution where criminal liability was established.
The CG also revealed that 37 personnel were dismissed after disciplinary proceedings.
The NSCDC boss presented before pressmen, the four personnel undergoing disciplinary actions.
According to him, three personnel with ongoing cases were transferred from the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police over alleged illegal arms and ammunitions dealings.
He added that the fourth officer was facing disciplinary proceedings over alleged negligence and misconduct involving the treatment of a teenage domestic helper.
Audi directed that all disciplinary cases be concluded promptly, while criminal matters be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“It is equally important to emphasise that the personnel presented today remain entitled to all constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence until the appropriate disciplinary bodies and courts of competent jurisdiction determine otherwise.
He urged Nigerians not to construe the misconduct of the affected personnel as a reflection of the character, professionalism and dedication of the overwhelming majority of officers and men who continue to serve Nigeria with honour, integrity and selfless commitment.
“The corps will continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethical conduct.
“Any personnel found wanting, irrespective of rank or position will be held accountable in accordance with the law and the regulations governing the agency,” Audi said.
In another development, he said NSCDC operatives arrested four alleged vandals at Sabon Wuse area of the FCT while transporting suspected vandalised railway materials.
The NSCDC helmsman said the suspects would be prosecuted for criminal conspiracy, malicious damage to public property, acts of terrorism and unlawful possession of suspected stolen property.
Audi further disclosed that his operatives recovered a truck loaded with vandalised railway sleepers and other railway materials from the suspects.
He said that in a separate operation, operatives also arrested two suspected power infrastructure vandals at Angwa Dudu, Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT.
According to him, the suspects allegedly conspired to vandalise electricity cables and power lines serving the area.
He said they would be prosecuted for criminal conspiracy, vandalism of power lines and theft of critical national assets.
Audi added that efforts were ongoing to trace and recover the stolen electrical installations linked to the suspects.
The CG further disclosed that intelligence led operations led to the arrest of six civilian suspects over alleged illegal firearms transactions and related security offences.
He said the principal suspect was intercepted in Enugu with military-grade weapons, ammunition, tactical equipment and suspected improvised explosive device materials.
Afolabi said follow up operations in Ebonyi and Enugu states led to the arrest of five additional suspects linked to the alleged firearms syndicate.
“Recovered from the suspects were: pump-action guns, ammunition, pistols, communication gadgets, mobile phones, combat equipment, identity documents and other items,” he said.
According to him, all suspects will remain in custody while multi-agency investigations and legal processes continue.
He reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to professionalism, accountability and protecting critical national assets, urging Nigerians to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.
“We appreciate the support of Nigerians and encourage members of the public to continue partnering with the corps by providing credible and timely information that will assist in strengthening internal accountability, professionalism and public trust,” the CG said.