Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu has banned the display of Firearms by operatives of the Corps at public events.
The directive followed the killing of a
Senatorial Candidate of Action Alliance in Imo state, Mr. Ndubuisi Emenike in
what has been dubbed an accidental discharge by NSCDC personnel.
A statement from the Media Office of the Corps disclosed that
the CG spoke when he paid a condolence visit to a former governor of Imo state
and serving senator, Rochas Okorocha to commiserate with him on the demise of
Mr. Emenike.
The CG maintained that the order was necessitated by the need
to prevent future occurrence of such costly incident, adding “that any
personnel caught flagrantly displaying or brandishing firearms in whatever
circumstances or during any celebration risks dismissal”. “And henceforth, it
has become an offense for armed bearers to stay within the immediate perimeters
of any occasion; they must keep a 50 meter distance away from events or party
venues” the CG added.
He also assured Senator Okorocha and
the entire people of Imo state of decisive action against the personnel. He
warned all state commandants to put their houses in order and ensure that their
personnel exhibits the highest form of professional discipline wherever they
find themselves.
Stressing out that on no account must he receive report bordering
on misuse of firearms from any state command, the CG said such commandants
should be ready to face the consequences as any breach of security and safety
of the people would not be condoned forthwith. He expressed regret over the
incident and assured that the Corps is with the family in prayers and will be
paying personal condolence visits to the immediate family of the deceased in
Imo and Lagos states soon.
