NSCDC Oyo Says No Levy on Personnel, Commandant Focused on Mandate

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, has debunked allegations that the State Commandant, Commandant Augustine Padonu, operates a scheme of extortion and compulsory financial contributions from personnel.

The Command, in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, SC Samuel Olubanjo Opebiyi, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan, described the allegations contained in a publication dated Sept. 29, 2026, as false.

The publication had alleged that Padonu compelled personnel deployed on beats across the state to contribute money for his birthday and church harvest.

The Command stated that for the record, the State Commandant never instructed, directed or authorised any officer or personnel to make any contribution towards his birthday or church harvest.

It explained that his celebrations are personal to him and his family and have no bearing on the official duties or resources of the Command.

The Command noted that the birthday and church harvest referred to in the publication took place in early August, wondering why the matter was only being raised now.

It said the timing is curious as it came shortly after the redeployment and restructuring of Command formations carried out for operational efficiency on Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026, as the nation prepares for the 2027 general election.

The Command said if the publication is not the work of individuals dissatisfied with the postings and looking for something to use against the Commandant, it wonders what else could explain the timing.

It stressed that such postings are routine and necessary to ensure the Corps is well positioned to discharge its responsibilities.

The Command reaffirmed that the State Commandant remains fully committed to the mandate of the Corps, which includes protecting lives and property, safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, and supporting other security agencies.

It added that since assuming office, Padonu has continued to prioritise operational effectiveness, discipline, professionalism, inter-agency collaboration and the welfare of personnel.

The Command said it would not tolerate any unauthorised deduction from, or levy on, the allowances of its personnel.

It urged any officer with a genuine complaint to use the established administrative channels, assuring that such complaints would receive prompt and fair attention, while any personnel found to have acted improperly would face appropriate disciplinary procedures.

The Command said it respects the role of the media and the public’s right to information, but noted that responsible reporting requires that allegations be verified and that the affected institution be given a fair opportunity to respond before publication.

It urged members of the public to be cautious about receiving and sharing unverified claims about the Command, assuring that it would not be distracted from its duties by attempts to undermine public confidence in the Corps or its leadership.

The Command added that all official enquiries, clarifications and communications on the activities and operations of the NSCDC Oyo State Command should be directed to the Office of the Public Relations Officer, which remains the Command’s designated channel for official communication.