NSCDC Opens Disciplinary Probe as Officer Faces Sanctions Over Abuja Market Shooting

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended one of its officers, Deputy Superintendent of Corps Onoja Babayo Samuel, over his alleged involvement in a shooting incident at Kubwa Market in Abuja.

The suspension followed an incident on October 25, 2026, during which the officer allegedly fired shots into the air after an argument with traders at the market.

The NSCDC management said the officer’s conduct would be investigated through an internal disciplinary process to determine his level of responsibility and whether he violated the corps’ rules and operational procedures.

The decision places renewed attention on the conduct of security personnel in public spaces and the need for officers to handle disputes without putting traders, customers and other residents at risk.

According to the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, the incident occurred at about 1:50 p.m. after officers at the Kubwa Police Division received a distress call about a man allegedly firing a pistol at the market.

Police operatives were deployed to the scene, where they disarmed and arrested the suspect following efforts to bring the situation under control.

Preliminary police findings identified the suspect as Samuel, a Deputy Superintendent of Corps serving with the NSCDC.

The police said the officer had reportedly gone to the market with a pistol after receiving information that some traders had assaulted his wife. An argument allegedly followed, during which he fired several shots into the air.

A CZ pistol and 17 rounds of live 9mm ammunition were reportedly recovered during the arrest.

The FCT Police Command said the suspect remained in police custody and would be charged in court after investigations were completed.

Following the incident, the NSCDC ordered Samuel’s immediate suspension pending the conclusion of the disciplinary proceedings. The suspension means he has been relieved of his official duties while the case is being examined.

The corps also directed that an Orderly Room Trial be conducted and referred the matter to its disciplinary committee at the national headquarters in Abuja.

The internal proceedings are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, the officer’s conduct and whether his actions breached the organisation’s rules on the use of firearms.

The NSCDC management described the alleged conduct as a serious violation of its rules of engagement and standard operating procedures, particularly those governing the handling and use of weapons.

The Commandant-General of the corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, reiterated the organisation’s position against the misuse of firearms and professional misconduct by its personnel.

The corps said the outcome of the disciplinary process would be made public after its conclusion. The investigation is expected to determine the appropriate action based on the findings.

The incident has also raised questions about coordination between security agencies operating within the Federal Capital Territory.

FCT Commissioner of Police Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi urged personnel of sister security agencies to exercise restraint and notify the police divisions responsible for their areas before conducting authorised operations.

The police said proper coordination was necessary to prevent avoidable confrontations and improve public safety across the territory.

Although the incident arose from an alleged dispute involving the officer’s wife and traders, the circumstances do not excuse any unlawful use of a firearm. The ongoing investigations will determine the facts and any further legal consequences.

For traders and other residents, the case highlights the importance of ensuring that disputes are resolved without threats or gunfire in crowded public places.

The NSCDC’s disciplinary process and the police investigation will determine the next steps in the case. Until the investigations and proceedings are concluded, the allegations against Samuel remain allegations rather than a final finding of guilt.

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