By; ADAM MUHAMMAD, Gusau
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara State Command has condemned in strong terms, the alleged involvement of one of its staff, ASCII Maikano Sarkin-Tasha in supplying ammunition and drugs to bandits in Zamfara State, which led to his arrest by the police in the state.
The state commandant of the corps, Sani Mustapha stated this at a press briefing in Gusau on Saturday.
According to him, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is known for integrity in service delivery, hence, discipline and compliance with ethical standards, through the corps standard operating procedure is enforced to regulate personnel against compromise or any unlawful act which is inimical to the wellbeing of the society.
“Due to the internal administrative mechanism already put in place by the command to checkmate officers and men in order to ensure discipline and compliance with work etiquette, the arrested officer had earlier been reported of truancy and complete absenteeism from work and has since not been seen and his whereabouts unknown until the news of his arrest by a sister agency”.
He said that preliminary findings by his command, indicated that the officer was arrested at a check point between Damba and Sabon Gida axis while he was on transit to his home town, Mada and they allegedly found some elements suspected to be cannabis and other hand drugs in his possession.
Other items found on him were, three armour of G3 rifle and one armour of anti rocket launcher.
“I wish to state that the Commandant General of the Corps, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi who received the news with shock and disappointment, has condemned the alleged barbaric behaviour of the officer and directed that I take necessary administrative action, including immediate dismissal of the individual, if his name is found on the Corps nominal roll”. He said
” Let me place on record, that the NSCDC, Zamfara state command has zero tolerance to indiscipline, corruption, criminality or any vices that is unbecoming of an officer of the Corps”.
Commandant Mustapha attributed the action of the officer that it reflects only his own personality, also stressed that it does not in any way represent or reflect the image or character of officers and men of the Zamfara Command or the Corps nationwide.
“In the spirit of inter agency relationship and synergy, I will interface with my friend and colleague, the commissioner of police of the Zamfara State for further necessary action to be taken to transfer the officer to the Corps National headquarters, Abuja for internal disciplinary action and prosecution”. He added.
He further hinted that the Corps is poised to work with other security agencies of government in the fight against crime and criminality in the society and will not spare any action in enforcing discipline against any erring officer of the Corps no matter highly placed.
“We are known to always strive in positioning the corps in the light of good character, conduct and discipline, Our Command will continue to work for the good people of the state to protect critical national assets and protect lives and property of the citizens with utmost professionalism and without compromise”.
He said the command will pursue the case with utmost transparency as the Corps does not condone any act indiscipline, not to talk of banditry or terrorism allegations.
