Mujeeb Akindoyin
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has dismissed two operatives attached to its Mining Marshal Unit for allegedly supplying firearms to illegal miners, while clearing the unit’s commander, John Onoja, of allegations linking him to the diversion of N2bn and the alleged cover-up of the death of an officer in Nasarawa State.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, announced the development on Wednesday in Abuja, saying the dismissed personnel would also face prosecution over the offence.
Audi, who spoke through the corps’ spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, said investigations found the actions of the officers to be in breach of the corps’ operational procedures and disciplinary code.
According to him, the officers were guilty of grave misconduct, professional negligence and conduct capable of undermining the discipline and operational integrity of the NSCDC.
He said, “Consequently, both personnel have been dismissed from the service and recommended for prosecution in accordance with the law.”
The Commandant General explained that the disciplinary action followed the recommendation of an investigative panel set up after an operational incident on February 18, 2026, in Nasarawa State, during which the location commander of the Mining Marshal Unit, Levi Agada, was killed.
Agada’s death had sparked widespread controversy, with reports alleging that members of the Mining Marshal Unit diverted N2bn and concealed the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.
The allegations also implicated the unit’s commander, Onoja, who had consistently denied any involvement.
However, Audi said a comprehensive investigation exonerated Onoja, the unit’s lead prosecutor and other members of the management team.
He said the probe found no evidence linking them to the alleged diversion of funds or any attempt to conceal the circumstances surrounding Agada’s death.
“The allegations suggesting otherwise were found to be false and without factual basis,” the NSCDC boss said.
He added that investigators also found no evidence of any premeditated plot against the late officer.
Audi further disclosed that the two dismissed mining marshals were among 37 personnel recently disengaged from the corps over various disciplinary offences.
He added that 42 other officers received different sanctions following separate cases of misconduct.
The NSCDC said the actions formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen discipline, professionalism and accountability within the corps.
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