The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Zamfara Command, has dismissed Officer Maikano Sarkin-Tasha for allegedly collaborating with bandits to supply hard drugs and ammunition.
State Commandant Sani Mustapha made the announcement during a news briefing in Gusau on Saturday.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Zamfara police command paraded 17 suspects linked to banditry, including Mr. Sarkin-Tasha, on Friday.
Mr. Mustapha expressed shock over the arrest of one of their own, who is accused of providing ammunition and hard drugs to bandits in the region.
“Our preliminary findings indicate that the officer was detained at a checkpoint between the Damba and Sabon Gida axis while traveling to his hometown, Mada village, in Gusau Local Government Area.
“He was allegedly found in possession of items suspected to be cannabis and other hard drugs.
“In addition, he had three G3 rifles and one anti-rocket launcher in his possession.
“I want to emphasize that the Commandant-General of the Corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi, also received this news with shock and disappointment, condemning the officer’s alleged behavior.
“He has instructed me to take immediate administrative action, including the officer’s expulsion from the Corps.”
Mr. Mustapha reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for indiscipline, corruption, and any misconduct unbecoming of an officer.
“As such, the actions of the officer are a reflection of his individual character, not representative of the officers and men of the Zamfara command or the Corps as a whole.
“In the interest of inter-agency cooperation, I will coordinate with the Commissioner of Police for further actions, with the aim of transferring this officer to the Corps’ national headquarters in Abuja for internal disciplinary proceedings and prosecution.”
Mr. Mustapha affirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to collaborating with other security agencies to combat crime in the state.
He promised that no effort would be spared in enforcing discipline against any officer, regardless of their rank.
“The Corps does not tolerate indiscipline, especially in cases involving allegations of banditry or terrorism. We will keep the press and the public informed of any further developments in due course.”
