The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismissed two officers attached to its Mining Marshal Unit for allegedly supplying firearms to illegal miners, while clearing the unit’s commander, John Onoja, of claims linking him to financial diversion and a cover-up.
NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi announced the decision during a press briefing in Abuja, stating that the dismissed personnel breached the corps’ operational rules and committed serious offences, including professional misconduct and negligence.
Represented by the corps’ spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, Audi said the two officers had also been recommended for prosecution in line with existing laws. Their dismissal followed investigations into an incident in Nasarawa State on February 18, 2026, which resulted in the death of Mining Marshal personnel, Levi Agada.
The incident had generated controversy after reports alleged that members of the unit were involved in the diversion of N2 billion and attempts to conceal details surrounding Agada’s death. However, the NSCDC said investigations found no evidence linking Commander Onoja, the lead prosecutor, or other management officials to any wrongdoing.
Audi said the claims against Onoja and other officials were “false and without factual basis,” adding that investigators found no indication of any planned action against the deceased officer.
The two dismissed officers were among 37 NSCDC personnel recently removed from service, while 42 others received various disciplinary sanctions for different offences.