By Sunny Attah
In recent weeks, a troubling pattern has emerged in parts of the media space—one marked by sensationalism, half-truths, and outright falsehoods aimed at the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). As citizens and advocates committed to institutional integrity and national stability, we at Stand Up Nigeria find it necessary to sound a clear warning: this coordinated assault on the leadership of the NSCDC is reckless, misleading, and dangerous.
The latest unverified reports alleging non-payment of promotion arrears and diversion of personnel welfare funds under the leadership of the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, are not only false but deliberately crafted to malign and destabilize the Corps. These allegations have now been thoroughly debunked by the NSCDC, and the facts are plain for all who care to look beyond clickbait headlines.
Let us be unequivocal: the Commandant General of the NSCDC does not control the payment of salaries, promotion arrears, or emoluments. This responsibility lies with the Presidential Committee on Arrears, working through the Budget Office of the Federation and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation. To knowingly attribute this function to the NSCDC leadership is either gross ignorance or willful deception.
Contrary to claims that no arrears have been paid since 2022, records clearly show steady progress. Upon assuming office in 2021, Prof. Audi inherited a staggering five years of unpaid salary arrears.
Through sustained engagement with relevant government institutions, his administration successfully facilitated the clearance of arrears from 2015 to 2019, benefiting over 37,000 personnel nationwide. These are verifiable facts, not propaganda.
On the much-talked-about 2020–2022 arrears, due process has been followed. Approval has already been secured by the Presidential Committee, and the payment schedule currently rests with the Office of the Accountant General, awaiting release to IPPIS for disbursement. As for 2023–2024, approvals are still pending—as is standard in a system governed by budgetary releases and presidential consent. No government disburses funds outside this framework.
It is also important to clarify that the 2025 promotion examination results were only released in December 2025, and necessary steps are underway to capture them in the appropriate budget cycle. To twist this timeline into an accusation of neglect is both dishonest and unfair.
What we are witnessing is not constructive criticism but a campaign of calumny—a calculated effort to sow discord among personnel, erode public trust, and undermine an institution that plays a vital role in Nigeria’s internal security architecture. Stand Up Nigeria warns that such cyberbullying and blackmail tactics must not be allowed to flourish unchecked.
We call on media organizations to return to the core ethics of journalism:verification, balance, and responsibility. Rushing to publish unconfirmed claims does grave damage—not just to individuals, but to national institutions and morale. We also urge members of the public and NSCDC personnel to remain calm, discerning, and patient as due processes run their course.
The leadership of the NSCDC has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and personnel welfare. Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi has consistently demonstrated resolve in engaging government for the benefit of his officers and men, and no amount of distraction will deter that commitment.
Nigeria is at a critical juncture. Institutions must be strengthened, not sabotaged. Truth must prevail over propaganda. And those who profit from falsehoods must be called out—firmly and unequivocally.
Stand Up Nigeria will continue to stand on the side of truth, justice, and responsible nation-building. Enough is enough.