NSCDC vows to prosecute official arrested for banditry

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Zamfara State Command has vowed to take disciplinary action against an officer accused of supplying ammunition and drugs to bandits.

The Guardian reports that ASC II Maikano Sarkin-Tasha, an official of the NSCDC, was arrested by the police for allegedly supplying the items in the Mada district of Gusau Local Government Area (LGA).

Sani Mustapha, the State Commandant, expressed his condemnation of the officer’s actions during a media briefing at the command headquarters in Gusau, vowing to discipline, dismiss, and prosecute for the act.

He said, “We condemn this act in all ramifications, as our command is known for integrity in service delivery, discipline, and compliance with ethical standards. The command has zero tolerance for indiscipline, corruption, criminality, or any vices that are unbecoming of an officer of the Corps.”

Sarkin-Tasha had been arrested and paraded by the police for allegedly supplying ammunition and hard drugs to bandits operating in the Mada district.

Mustapha clarified that the officer’s actions do not reflect the image or standards of the NSCDC. “The action of the officer reflects only his own personality as an individual, it does not in any way represent or reflect the image, character, or standard of officers and men of the Zamfara Command or the Corps nationwide,” he stressed.

He also noted that the officer had been previously reported for absenteeism and irresponsibility at work. “It is noteworthy that the arrested officer had been reported earlier for truancy and complete absenteeism from work and has since not been seen, and his whereabouts are unknown until the news of his arrest by a sister agency,” the commandant added.

The officer was apprehended at a checkpoint between Damba and Sabon Gida while travelling to his hometown, Mada. Police reportedly found cannabis, other hard drugs, and four pieces of ammunition in his possession, including three G3 rifle armour and one anti-aircraft rifle armour.

The Commandant confirmed ongoing collaboration with the Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dalijan, to ensure a comprehensive investigation and prosecution. He stated, “We promise to pursue the case with utmost transparency, as the Corps does not condone any act of indiscipline, not to talk of banditry or terrorism allegations.”

He further reiterated the Corps’ commitment to working with other security agencies in the fight against crime. “While the incident is regrettable, the command will continue to strive in positioning the Corps in the light of good character, conduct, and discipline,” Mustapha stated.

He assured the public that the Corps would continue to serve the people of Zamfara State with professionalism, protecting national assets and safeguarding lives and property without compromise.