By Odita Sunday
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended one of its officers arrested over the alleged shooting at Kubwa Market in Abuja, ordering an internal disciplinary trial to determine his involvement in the incident.
The officer, identified as Onoja Babayo Samuel, a Deputy Superintendent of Corps (DSC), was arrested by the FCT Police Command after he allegedly fired shots during a confrontation with traders at the market on 25 October 2026.
The Corps announced the suspension in a statement dated 29 October 2026, signed by BABAWALE AFOLABI, Assistant Commandant of Corps and National Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
According to the statement, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered the officer’s immediate suspension and an Orderly Room Trial, describing the alleged conduct as a breach of the Corps’ rules of engagement and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
The statement said the Corps management had condemned the incident, stressing that the alleged misuse of a firearm was unacceptable and would attract appropriate disciplinary action if established.
With the suspension taking immediate effect, Onoja Babayo Samuel has been stripped of his official responsibilities and relieved of his assignment pending the conclusion of the disciplinary process.
The NSCDC said a committee at its National Headquarters in Abuja would handle the matter, while the outcome of the internal investigation and Orderly Room Trial would be made public after the proceedings.
Prof Ahmed Abubakar Audi, according to the statement, maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards the misuse of firearms and other forms of professional misconduct by personnel.
The Commandant General also assured Nigerians that the Corps would not protect any officer whose actions endangered public safety or violated established operational guidelines.
He reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting lives and maintaining professional standards, regardless of the circumstances surrounding any alleged misconduct.
About the Author
