NSCDC warns officers against extortion, rights abuse in Anambra

NSCDC Commandant, Anambra State Command, Olatunde Maku, addressing the personnel. Credit: NSCDC.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, has warned its personnel to desist from actions that violate citizens’ rights and breach professional ethics.

The NSCDC State Commandant, Olatunde Maku, gave the warning while addressing the personnel during the muster parade at the state headquarters in Awka, the state capital, on Monday.

Maku said his administration would not condone any form of misconduct, high-handedness or abuse of power.

He said, “All operatives must operate within the Corps’ standard operating procedures and in line with extant laws. No officer is permitted to act in a way that erodes public trust or tarnishes the image of the Corps.

“Any personnel found culpable of indiscipline, misuse of authority or infringement on the fundamental rights of the public would face disciplinary action in accordance with laid down regulations.”

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The state commandant also charged heads of departments and units, area commanders and divisional officers to ensure effective command and control of their jurisdictions, with proper supervision of men under them for total compliance with operational guidelines.

“The powers conferred on officers must be exercised with utmost professionalism, civility and respect for human rights, as the conduct of every officer is a reflection of the entire Corps.

“We urge personnel to remain disciplined, accountable and people-friendly. The Corps must continue to justify the confidence reposed in it by the public through exemplary service delivery,” he added.

The PUNCH reports that the Commandant of the NSCDC Federal Capital Territory Command, Dr Olusola Odumosu,  warned Nigerians against spreading misinformation and propaganda that could worsen insecurity and trigger attacks on innocent citizens.

Odumosu said the spread of unverified information, particularly on social media, could create panic, heat the polity and encourage criminal activities such as banditry and kidnapping.

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