The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismissed as false and misleading reports alleging non-payment of promotion arrears and diversion of funds meant for personnel welfare under the leadership of the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the Corps described the publication, dated 23 January 2026 and circulated on some online platforms, as a deliberate campaign of calumny aimed at misleading the public, creating unnecessary tension, and tarnishing the image of the Corps’ leadership
The National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, ACC Afolabi Babawale, stated that from all intents and purposes, the allegations are baseless and malicious, stressing that the Commandant General does not have control over the payment of salary arrears, promotion arrears, or other emoluments.
According to the statement, the responsibility for payment of such arrears rests with the Presidential Committee on Arrears, chaired by the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation and the Accountant-General of the Federation, and not the NSCDC.
The Corps further clarified that claims suggesting no arrears have been paid since 2022 are completely false. It noted that upon assumption of office in 2021, the current leadership inherited five years of unpaid salary arrears. Through sustained engagement with relevant government authorities, the backlog covering 2015 to 2019 was successfully cleared, benefiting over 37,000 personnel nationwide.
On the status of the 2020–2022 arrears, the NSCDC explained that due process has been followed, adding that the Finance, Budget, and Planning Departments, on the directive of the Commandant General, applied to the Presidential Committee on Arrears. The request, the Corps disclosed, has since been approved, with the payment schedule currently at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, awaiting release to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) for disbursement.
The statement also addressed the 2023–2024 arrears, noting that they are yet to receive the necessary approvals, as government disbursements require presidential approval and budgetary release. Similarly, it explained that the 2025 promotion examination results were only released in December 2025, and efforts are ongoing to capture the financial implications in the appropriate budget cycle.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and inclusive welfare, the NSCDC said the leadership of the Corps would not be distracted by blackmail, cyberbullying, or attempts to undermine its credibility.
The Corps urged the public, stakeholders, and media organizations to disregard false publications designed to sow discord between personnel and the leadership, while also calling on the media to always verify information through established channels.
The Commandant General, according to the statement, appealed to personnel nationwide to remain calm and patient, assuring them that the Corps will continue to engage relevant authorities to ensure the release of approved funds, and that the welfare and interests of officers and men remain a top priority.
