Zamfara: NSCDC Vows to Prosecute Officer Caught Supplying Arms to Bandits

The Zamfara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has pledged to prosecute ASCII Maikano Sarkin-Tasha, an officer recently apprehended by the police with four live rounds of ammunition and hard drugs in his possession.

During a press conference at the State Command in Gusau, Commandant Sani Mustapha distanced the NSCDC from the officer’s alleged criminal activities, which reportedly include the illegal possession and distribution of hard drugs and ammunition to bandits.

Commandant Mustapha emphasized the NSCDC’s commitment to integrity and ethical service delivery, stating, “The NSCDC enforces discipline and compliance with ethical standards through its standard operating procedures. We remain vigilant in regulating personnel to prevent any actions that threaten societal wellbeing.”

He further explained that the arrested officer had already been under internal investigation for absenteeism and truancy. “The officer had been missing from duty, and his whereabouts were unknown until the news of his arrest by a sister agency,” Mustapha said. Preliminary findings revealed that Sarkin-Tasha was arrested at a checkpoint between Damba and Sabon Gida while traveling to his hometown, Mada, with suspected cannabis and other illegal substances.

Additional items discovered on the officer included three G3 rifle armors and one anti-rocket launcher armor. Commandant Mustapha expressed the NSCDC’s disappointment, stating that the Commandant General of the Corps, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, was “shocked and dismayed” by the officer’s alleged actions. He added that Dr. Audi had ordered immediate administrative action, including dismissal if Sarkin-Tasha’s name is confirmed on the Corps’ nominal roll.

“The Zamfara State Command has zero tolerance for indiscipline, corruption, criminality, or any behavior unbecoming of an officer. The actions of this individual reflect solely on him and in no way represent the values of the NSCDC, either at the state or national level,” Mustapha affirmed.

The Commandant also confirmed his intention to liaise with the Commissioner of Police in Zamfara for further action, including transferring the officer to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja for internal disciplinary proceedings and prosecution.

Reiterating the NSCDC’s commitment to inter-agency collaboration, Mustapha stated, “The Corps will continue to work with other security agencies in the fight against crime and will not hesitate to enforce discipline against any erring officer, regardless of their rank or position.”

He assured the public that the Corps remains dedicated to safeguarding national assets and protecting lives and property with the highest level of professionalism. “We promise to handle this case with transparency. The NSCDC does not condone indiscipline, let alone involvement in banditry or terrorism. Further updates will be shared with the press and the public as the case progresses,” Mustapha concluded.