NSCDC FCT Command Counters Online Report, Reveals Alleged Fake NYSC Member in Fraud Scheme

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has strongly refuted allegations published by an online news outfit accusing the security agency of bribery and unlawful detention, describing the reports as false, malicious and deliberately misleading.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Command said the media briefing became necessary to correct what it called a “dangerous distortion of facts” contained in two separate reports by the online platform alleging that the Corps detained a corps member for 65 days and demanded a “Commandant’s charge” of N1.4 million, as well as another claim that a 69-year-old man was held for 89 days unless he paid N10 million.

The Commandant, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, said the allegations were part of an attempt by individuals under investigation to discredit the agency and derail ongoing criminal proceedings.

According to him, the individual described in the publication as a detained corps member, identified as Joseph Nanmwa Philips, 27, from Plateau State, is not a legitimate member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) but an impostor who allegedly forged a call-up letter to fraudulently secure placement at the International Model Science Academy in Kwali, a subsidiary of the National Mathematical Centre.

The Command disclosed that Philips was arrested by NSCDC operatives in Kwali on February 6, 2026 following complaints of impersonation, forgery and cyber-related offences.

Investigators said the suspect allegedly hacked and impersonated officials of the National Mathematical Centre on social media and used the fake identity to deceive unsuspecting parents.

After preliminary investigation, the suspect was transferred to the FCT Command headquarters on February 9, where he was interrogated and granted bail the same day in line with provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

However, the Command explained that the suspect remained in custody because he could not meet the bail conditions, particularly the requirement for a credible surety. Consequently, the agency sought and obtained a remand order from a Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 2 to legally hold him pending the conclusion of investigations.

The NSCDC also dismissed claims that it demanded N1.4 million for the suspect’s release, clarifying that the amount referenced in the report was money the suspect allegedly collected fraudulently from parents.

According to the Command, investigations revealed that Philips collected about N1.3 million from several parents under the pretext of registering their children for a Cambridge University scholarship programme.

He allegedly cloned email addresses linked to Cambridge University and sent fabricated confirmation messages to parents to make the scheme appear legitimate. The suspect was also accused of collecting additional money for extra lesson teachers and study materials supposedly required for the scholarship examination.

The Command said several exhibits were recovered from him, including an NYSC uniform, a forged call-up letter and documents showing financial transactions between the suspect and parents who claimed to have been defrauded.

The NSCDC further alleged that the individual who made the allegations to SaharaReporters, identified as Chimezie Otuojo, is himself a suspect currently on administrative bail in a separate case involving alleged threat to life and assault reported by his neighbour.

According to the Command, Otuojo resorted to “blackmail and misinformation” to undermine the Corps after becoming aware of ongoing investigations involving him.

On the separate allegation that the Corps detained a 69-year-old man for 89 days and demanded a N10 million “Commandant’s fee,” the NSCDC said the claim was equally baseless.

The Command explained that the case originated from a petition filed by TroBell Minerals Ltd over alleged criminal breach of trust and obtaining by false pretence involving about N217 million.

Following investigations, the suspect was charged before the Federal High Court, while his custody was based on a valid remand order issued by a competent court, the Command stated.

It also dismissed claims that nine suspects paid N1 million each to secure bail, reiterating that bail within the Corps is free and that officers are bound by strict professional and ethical standards.

The NSCDC warned that it reserves the right to seek legal redress against individuals or organisations publishing unverified claims capable of damaging the integrity of the Corps.

While reaffirming its respect for the role of the media in a democratic society, the Command urged journalists to verify allegations with relevant authorities before publication to prevent the spread of misinformation.

The Command assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory that it remains committed to protecting lives, property and critical national assets.
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ISWAP’s acknowledgement of commander’s death highlights gains by troops, cracks within insurgent ranks

By: Zagazola Makama

Fresh intelligence indicating that the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has internally acknowledged the death of one of its senior commanders killed by Nigerian troops has provided a rare insight into the impact of recent military operations in the North-East.

The insurgent commander, identified as Modu Kundiri, served as the Qa’id (camp commander) of ISWAP’s Pulka axis in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, a strategic location close to the border with Adamawa State and the Sambisa Forest corridor.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that Kundiri was neutralised during recent military operation along the Madagali–Gwoza axis, an area that has remained a critical operational corridor for insurgent movements between Borno and Adamawa.

What makes the development particularly significant is that the confirmation of his death did not come through official propaganda channels of the insurgent group but through intercepted communications among ISWAP members themselves.

According to intelligence obtained on March 11, a conversation between an insurgent identified as Abubakar, who was using Kundiri’s GSM line from a location opposite Pulka Market, and an associate named Fatima in Gonidamgari area of Maiduguri, revealed that the commander had been killed by military troops during the operation. Such internal acknowledgements often provide a clearer picture of battlefield realities than propaganda statements, which insurgent groups frequently manipulate to project strength.

Before his death, Kundiri was reportedly involved in coordinating or participating in several attacks across multiple local government areas in Borno and Adamawa states. These included operations in Gwoza, Askira/Uba, Bama and Konduga LGAs in Borno State, as well as Madagali LGA in Adamawa State.

Security sources say his operational reach across several LGAs reflected his familiarity with the terrain and his ability to coordinate movements along the rugged border areas linking Sambisa Forest to northern Adamawa.

His influence within the insurgent hierarchy had recently increased after he was reportedly elevated to senior command by Mallam Ba’ana Chingori, a prominent ISWAP figure believed to be operating within the Sambisa Forest enclave and Timbuktu Triangle.

The appointment placed Kundiri in charge of coordinating insurgent activities in the Pulka axis, an area frequently targeted by troops because of its strategic importance to insurgent logistics and movement.

The loss of such a commander could temporarily disrupt ISWAP’s operational coordination in the southern Borno corridor.
Field commanders like Kundiri typically serve as the link between strategic leadership in forest enclaves and operational cells responsible for attacks, recruitment and logistics.

“When such commanders are eliminated, it often creates a short-term vacuum in the command structure,” a counter-insurgency analyst said. However, insurgent organisations often attempt to quickly fill these gaps to maintain continuity.

Evidence of such attempts may already be emerging. Intelligence sources noted that the GSM line previously used by Kundiri is now being operated by another ISWAP member. This could be an attempt by the group to conceal the commander’s death temporarily or maintain communication channels within the network to avoid operational disruption.

Such tactics are common among insurgent groups trying to prevent panic or confusion among fighters following the loss of key leaders.

ISWAP’s acknowledgement of commander’s death highlights gains by troops, cracks within insurgent ranks

Operation Hadin Kai debunks Fake news on ISWAP enclave in Tuba, Jere in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Reports circulating online claiming that Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents have established a new enclave in Tuba, Jere Local Government Area, have been strongly condemned by military sources in Operation HADIN KAI, describing the claims as false, misleading, and deliberately designed to spread fear.

According to the sources, recent operations conducted by troops of 212 Battalion, Operation HADIN KAI, across Tuba and surrounding areas including Dusuman, Jabarmari, Gongulong, Ngom, and along the Maiduguri-Monguno and Maiduguri-Mafa highways, found no evidence of any terrorist enclave, concentration, or movement as claimed in the reports.

The military sources expressed outrage over the circulation of such unverified stories, noting that some media platforms appear to be serving interests contrary to national security and public safety. “These claims are false, sensational, and do not reflect the reality on the ground,” the sources said.

They pointed to previous instances of deliberate exaggeration, where some outlets reported that 40 or even 100 soldiers were killed during attacks in Konduga figures that were never corroborated by even the insurgents themselves. Another example cited involved reports claiming Boko Haram had taken over Ngoshe, only for videos of troops firmly securing the area to emerge, exposing the lies. Despite this, some media still went ahead to report that Army has recaptured Ngoshe without providing further details of how the Operation tool place.

“Who are these media outlets serving?” the military sources demanded. “Are they advancing national or public interest, or are they actively trying to support the terrorists to disintegrate the country through fake narratives?”

While acknowledging operational challenges in the theatre, the military sources emphasized that troops continue to maintain operational dominance, safeguard residents, and protect highways and strategic installations across the North East region.

In other countries, citizens rally around their military to support them in countering violent extremism. Hardly will you find active citizens working as though they are tool of terrorists propaganda. They warned that unverified reports undermine troop morale, endanger civilians, and distort public perception of ongoing security efforts in the country.

Journalists and media platforms were urged to exercise professionalism, verify facts before publication, and avoid being used as instruments of destabilisation. Residents were advised to rely only on credible sources and report suspicious activities to security agencies.

The military remains committed to defeating terrorism, ensuring stability in Borno State and the broader North-East, and will not be distracted or demoralized by falsehoods masquerading as news.

Operation Hadin Kai debunks Fake news on ISWAP enclave in Tuba, Jere in Borno