NSCDC suspends officer over Abuja market shooting

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended Deputy Superintendent Onoja Babayo Samuel following a shooting incident that occurred at Kubwa Market in Abuja on October 25, 2026. The suspension comes after Samuel allegedly fired shots into the air during a confrontation with market traders.

The NSCDC revealed the officer's suspension in a statement issued by its National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi. The Commandant-General of the corps, Ahmed Audi, directed the immediate suspension of Samuel and the initiation of disciplinary proceedings.

The incident unfolded when Samuel went to the market armed with a pistol, reportedly following rumors that traders had assaulted his wife. Police officers from the Kubwa Division were deployed to the scene and successfully disarmed the suspect, leading to his arrest.

In response to the incident, the NSCDC emphasized its commitment to protecting lives and maintaining professional standards. The organization warned that it would not tolerate or shield any officer whose actions endangered public safety or violated operational guidelines. A committee at the NSCDC's national headquarters in Abuja will handle the matter, and the results of the Orderly Room Trial and internal disciplinary process will be made public once completed.