Fire arms proliferation: NSCDC dismisses 2 personnel, exonerates Mining Marshals Commander

By Anan Geolengs

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has dismissed two operatives of its Mining Marshals Unit for unlawfully providing firearms to illegal miners.

The corps also exonerated the Mining Marshals Commander, ACC John Onoja, whose team was allegedly linked to the diversion of N2 billion and cover up of circumstances leading to the death of a personnel Levi Agada in Nasarawa state.

The Commandant General of NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, announced the dismissal on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing newsmen.

Audi, who was represented by the NSCDC Spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, said the actions of the two personnel constituted grave misconduct, professional negligence, and conduct prejudicial to the discipline and operational integrity of the Corps.

“Consequently, both personnel have been dismissed from the service and recommended for prosecution in accordance with the law,” he said.

The CG said the dismissal followed recommendations from an investigation into an operational incident of Feb. 18, 2026 in Nasarawa State, which led to the death of the Location Commander, Levi Agada.

Audi also exonerated the Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Onoja, and members of his management team of allegations of N2 billion diversion and cover-up in connection with Agada’s death.

“Comprehensive investigations had cleared Onoja, the lead prosecutor, and other management team members of alleged complicity. Allegations suggesting otherwise were found to be false and without factual basis,” he stated.

He added that investigations also established that there was no evidence of premeditated intent against the deceased.

Peoples Daily recalls that the Nigeria Police Force had earlier arrested three officers of the NSCDC Mining Marshals Unit allegedly involved in Agada’s death during an operation in Nasarawa State.

The police, in a statement, said its Force Intelligence Department, FID, began an investigation into Agada’s death after receiving a petition filed by the family’s lawyer.

The arrested personnel were named as Simeon Yakubu Anyebe, Ibrahim Ayefu and Iwodi Obochi.

The deceased was reportedly shot while on duty during an operation at Rafin Gabas in the Agwada area of Nasarawa State.

The police also disclosed that investigators traced over N2 billion to a bank account belonging to an NSCDC Mining Marshal.

Meanwhile, the two dismissed mining marshals were among 37 personnel recently dismissed from the Corps, while 42 others were sanctioned for various offences.