ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sanctioned 79 of its personnel for various disciplinary offences, including the dismissal of 37 officers, while also announcing the arrest of 12 suspects linked to pipeline vandalism and other illegal activities.
The Commandant General of the Corps said the disciplinary actions followed internal investigations into cases of misconduct involving personnel across different commands. According to the NSCDC, the sanctions demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to professionalism, discipline and accountability within its ranks.
The Corps disclosed that the affected personnel were found culpable of various offences ranging from acts of indiscipline and professional misconduct to violations of the service’s code of ethics. Of the 79 officers sanctioned, 37 were dismissed from service, while others received different disciplinary measures depending on the nature and severity of their offences.
NSCDC authorities stated that disciplinary procedures were conducted in accordance with established regulations and emphasised that no officer found guilty of misconduct would be shielded from appropriate sanctions. The Corps reiterated that maintaining integrity and public confidence remains central to its operational mandate.
In a separate development, the NSCDC announced the arrest of 12 suspects allegedly involved in pipeline vandalism and related economic sabotage. According to the Corps, the suspects were apprehended during coordinated operations carried out by its anti-vandal unit in collaboration with other security agencies.
The security agency said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were allegedly engaged in activities including the destruction of oil and gas infrastructure, illegal petroleum-related operations and other offences capable of undermining Nigeria’s economic stability. Authorities added that investigations are continuing to identify additional individuals connected to the alleged criminal network.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its determination to protect critical national assets and infrastructure, particularly oil pipelines, power installations and other strategic facilities. It warned individuals involved in vandalism and economic sabotage to desist from such activities or face the full weight of the law.
The Corps noted that attacks on oil and gas infrastructure have significant economic consequences, including loss of government revenue, environmental degradation and disruptions to energy supply. It therefore pledged to sustain intelligence-driven operations aimed at preventing vandalism and safeguarding critical infrastructure nationwide.
Security experts have repeatedly identified pipeline vandalism as one of the major challenges affecting Nigeria’s petroleum sector. Beyond financial losses, the crime often results in environmental pollution, fire outbreaks and threats to the safety of nearby communities.
The NSCDC also urged members of the public to support security agencies by reporting suspicious activities around critical infrastructure. It encouraged citizens to provide timely information that could assist law enforcement authorities in preventing acts of sabotage and apprehending offenders.
The Corps reaffirmed that it will continue strengthening internal discipline while intensifying efforts to combat crimes against national infrastructure. It maintained that promoting accountability within the service and aggressively tackling pipeline vandalism remain essential to protecting national assets, enhancing public confidence and supporting Nigeria’s economic development.
