The Zamfara Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) has dismissed one of its officers, ASCII Maikano Sarkin-Tasha, following allegations of his involvement in collaborating with bandits to supply them with hard drugs and ammunition.
The State Commandant, Sani Mustapha, made this announcement during a press briefing held in Gusau on Saturday.
The dismissal came in the wake of a series of arrests made by the Zamfara State Police Command, which had paraded 17 suspected collaborators working with bandits on Friday.
Among those arrested was Sarkin-Tasha, who is accused of facilitating the illegal supply of drugs and ammunition to criminals terrorizing the region.
According to Commandant Mustapha, the arrest of the officer was a shocking and deeply disappointing development for the NSCDC.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Sarkin-Tasha was apprehended at a checkpoint located between the Damba and Sabon Gida areas while traveling to his hometown, Mada village, in Gusau Local Government Area.
Upon his arrest, authorities reportedly found several incriminating items in his possession, including substances suspected to be cannabis and other hard drugs.
In addition, three armor plates for G3 rifles and one armor for an anti-rocket launcher were also recovered from the officer.
In response to the arrest, Commandant Mustapha stated, “The Commandant-General of the Corps, Dr. Ahmed Audi, who also received the news with great shock and disappointment, has condemned the officer’s alleged involvement in this barbaric act.
He has ordered the immediate dismissal of the officer from the Corps’ nominal roll and has instructed us to take necessary administrative actions.”
Mustapha emphasized that the NSCDC maintains a strict policy of zero tolerance for indiscipline, corruption, criminal activity, or any form of misconduct among its personnel.
He made it clear that the actions of the dismissed officer reflect his personal failings and do not represent the values or character of the Zamfara command or the NSCDC as a whole.
In the spirit of cooperation and collaboration with other security agencies, Mustapha revealed that he would be engaging with the Commissioner of Police to facilitate further investigations and take appropriate legal actions.
The officer will also be transferred to the Corps’ national headquarters in Abuja for further disciplinary measures and possible prosecution.
The State Commandant reiterated the Corps’ commitment to upholding the highest standards of discipline and integrity in its ranks.
He assured the public that any officer found engaging in criminal activities, regardless of their rank, would face the full consequences of their actions.
“We are determined to work closely with other security agencies in the fight against crime and criminality in Zamfara State. The Corps does not tolerate any act of indiscipline, let alone involvement in banditry or terrorism. We will handle this case with full transparency and keep the public informed as developments unfold,” Mustapha added.
The dismissal of Sarkin-Tasha underscores the NSCDC’s resolve to root out any form of criminal collaboration within its ranks as it continues its efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities in Zamfara and across the country.
