The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Zamfara State has taken a firm stance against one of its own, following the arrest of officer Maikano Sarkin-Tasha for allegedly supplying ammunition and drugs to bandits.
The State Commandant, Sani Mustapha, addressed the media at the command headquarters in Gusau, condemning the officer’s actions and outlining the steps the NSCDC will take in response.
Commandant Mustapha did not mince words in his address, stating, “We condemned this act in all ramifications as our command is known for integrity in service delivery, discipline and compliance with ethical standards.”
He emphasized the NSCDC’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct, asserting that the corps “has zero tolerance to indiscipline, corruption, criminality or any vices that are unbecoming of an officer of the Corps.”
The Commandant was quick to distance the wider organization from the actions of the individual, saying, “The Command wishes to be placed on record, that the officer’s action reflects only his personality as an individual, it does not in any way represent or reflect the image, character or standard of officers and men of the Zamfara Command or the Corps nationwide.”
According to preliminary findings, Sarkin-Tasha was apprehended at a checkpoint between Damba and Sabon Gida while en route to his hometown of Mada.
The arrest uncovered suspicious items, including suspected cannabis and other hard drugs. A subsequent search of his residence yielded three armors of G3 rifle and one armor of anti-aircraft gun, totaling four pieces of ammunition.
Mustapha revealed that the officer had previously been flagged for irresponsible behavior, stating, “The arrested officer had earlier been reported for an irresponsible attitude to work and efforts to track him were to no avail.”
The NSCDC is not taking this incident lightly. Commandant Mustapha announced plans to collaborate with Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dalijan, “for further necessary action towards ensuring that diligent disciplinary action, investigation and prosecution is instituted and full wrath of the law is meted on him accordingly.”
Reaffirming the NSCDC’s commitment to inter-agency cooperation, Mustapha stated, “The NSCDC is poised to work with all security agencies of government in the fight against crime and criminality in society and will not spare any action in enforcing discipline against any of its erring officers and men, no matter how highly connected.”
Looking ahead, the Commandant assured the public of the NSCDC’s continued dedication to its mission, saying, “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.”
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