NSCDC dismisses one of its security officials for participating in looting of palliative warehouse

NIGERIA’S Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismissed Corps Assistant Illiya Ibrahim after he was filmed participating in the ongoing looting in Abuja carting away a box of essential food items.

Last Tuesday, Nigerian Army troops opened fire on unarmed protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate, killing several of them. This cold blooded murder sparked a national outrage across the country and people have since taken to the streets, setting fire to public buildings and looting warehouses, shops and the homes of the wealthy.

In Abuja, like elsewhere across the country, hungry mobs raided government warehouses and carted away thousands of bags of foodstuffs. Items stored in the warehouses were meant to be distributed as part of the Covid-19 palliative scheme but had been hoarded until angry mobs found out where they were and helped themselves to them.

Mr Ibrahim, attached to the Gwagwalada Division of the NSCDC in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, was caught on camera carting away palliatives from a local warehouse. He has since faced a disciplinary panel and Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, the NSCDC commandant-general has approved the recommendation of the Junior Staff Disciplinary Committee that he be dismissed.

NSCDC spokesman Ekunola Gbenga, said that the recommendation was given after the officer was charged under the public service rule which is related to unbecoming conduct of officers. He added:  “This disciplinary measure was taken after a series of investigations and deliberations by the junior disciplinary committee and recommendations were made to the management.

“The controller-general appreciates officers and men of the corps including members of the public for providing useful information that has continues to assist in identifying unfit individuals within the ranks for appropriate action.  He tasked the personnel to remain committed, resolute and firm in the discharge of their duties.”