ABUJA – The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the immediate detention of personnel accused of extorting ₦5.2 million from a traveller.
The order followed a directive by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who had called for an immediate investigation into the incident after it surfaced in a viral social media post.
NSCDC spokesman CSC Afolabi Babawale, in a statement on Wednesday, confirmed that the officers allegedly extorted the money from a young man traveling from Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State to Akure, Ondo State.
Condemning the act, Audi described the officers’ behaviour as unprofessional and a clear violation of the Corps’ Code of Ethics and Standard Operating Procedures. He directed that the implicated officers be transferred to the Corps’ national headquarters in Abuja for detention pending investigation.
A disciplinary committee has been set up to carry out a full-scale probe as instructed by the Minister.
Audi stressed that the Corps will act in accordance with the Public Service Rules if the officers are found guilty. He also urged citizens not to lose faith in the NSCDC and to continue providing useful information without fear of harassment or extortion.
He reassured the public of his commitment to accountability, stating that any personnel involved in corrupt practices would face appropriate sanctions to serve as a deterrent.
