A volunteer staff of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Nura Abdullahi, has been commended for returning more than N20 million left behind by a passenger in a commercial tricycle in Kano.
His integrity has earned him recognition from the corps and widespread praise.
The Zonal Commander of NSCDC Zone 12, ACG Amos Abiodun-Taiwo, presented Abdullahi with a commendation letter on Friday, describing his actions as an extraordinary example of honesty and professionalism.
Abdullahi’s quick thinking and initiative prevented the loss of the large sum of money.
“It is very rare in our days to find someone who would return such a huge amount of money, especially under the current economic hardship,” Abiodun-Taiwo said, highlighting that Abdullahi is a volunteer with limited personal means, yet he chose to do the right thing.
Abdullahi reportedly discovered the cash after a co-passenger, identified as Alhaji Mustafa from Katsina State, accidentally left it in the tricycle.
Using the last dialled number on the passenger’s phone, which he had lent him briefly, Abdullahi quickly traced the owner and ensured the money was returned safely.
The NSCDC command verified the incident before reporting it to the Commandant-General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who instructed that Abdullahi be publicly celebrated as a model of honesty within the corps.
Officials emphasised that positive stories like this should receive as much attention as negative incidents.
“This young man is a good ambassador of his family, the NSCDC, and Nigeria at large,” Abiodun-Taiwo added, urging the public to emulate Abdullahi’s moral values and integrity.
The commander also assured that Abdullahi would be handsomely rewarded for his exemplary conduct. He stressed that acts of honesty, regardless of economic pressures, remain invaluable and should be recognised nationwide.
NSCDC’s recognition follows other similar cases, including in 2024 when a Katsina woman, Malama Abdulkadir-Yanmama, was rewarded for returning funds meant for the Federal Government’s school feeding programme, reinforcing the corps’ commitment to celebrating integrity.