Secret Investigation: EFCC Continues NSCDC Officers’ Fraud Probe Behind Closed Doors

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has remained silent on the progress of its investigation into alleged large-scale fraud involving senior officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Several top NSCDC officials are reported to have been detained after being invited by the EFCC, which is probing claims that over ₦7.5 billion was misappropriated through suspicious contracts and irregular payments.

The agency has reportedly collected statements from several individuals involved and traced financial transactions linked to the allegations. The funds are believed to have been diverted from resources intended to support school security under the Safe Schools Initiative, as well as other operational budgets.

Allegations include the misappropriation of security allocations, inflated or irregular contracts, and payments routed through Bureau de Change operators. Despite arrests and initial findings, the EFCC has yet to provide updates on the status of the case, the amount recovered, or when those implicated will face trial.

The secrecy surrounding the probe has drawn criticism from civil society groups. In Abuja, the Education Accountability Network, led by convener Tola Abegunde, called on the EFCC to inform the public about the investigation, emphasizing its broader impact on school safety and national security.

“The EFCC must provide Nigerians with the current status of this probe,” Abegunde said.
“There have been arrests, interrogations, confessions, and even recoveries, yet no formal update has been issued. This level of silence on a matter that directly affects national security and the lives of schoolchildren is unacceptable.”

The group warned that the allegations highlight serious issues within the NSCDC, the agency responsible for guarding schools and responding to attacks on pupils and teachers. It noted that communities in the northern regions continue to face kidnappings while funds intended to protect schools are at the center of the corruption probe.

“We are witnessing repeated abductions of pupils and teachers,” Abegunde said.
“Communities in the north-west, north-east, and north-central regions live in fear, yet resources meant to secure these schools are allegedly being looted by the very officials entrusted to protect them.”

The network called for all individuals linked to the case, including officers and contractors, to be prosecuted if evidence supports the claims. It also urged the Federal Government to follow through and make the outcome public.

“Anything short of full prosecution will embolden impunity,” Abegunde warned.

Despite the serious allegations, the group criticized calls by some quarters to extend the Commandant-General’s term, describing it as an affront to Nigerians.

“Nigeria cannot secure its schools while corruption thrives at the heart of the agency meant to protect them. This case must serve as a deterrent,” the group said.

Finally, the network urged the Ministry of Interior and the Office of the National Security Adviser to strengthen oversight of the NSCDC, emphasizing the need for stricter checks to prevent future breaches in procurement and financial management.