The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSDC) has cleared the Minister of Interior Comrade Abba Moro from alleged gun running, saying that he actually handed over the arms to the Corps.

NSCDC, in a statement signed Saturday by the Corps Public Relations Officer, exonerated Moro, adding that the weapons were handed to them during the passing out ceremony of their Armed Squad in Owerri, Imo State.

Part of the statement read: "Following the publication in some dailies accusing the Honourable Minister of Interior Comrade Abba Moro for confiscating a large cache of arms received on behalf of the Corps through the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Management of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps wishes to state that the allegation is false, malicious, fraudulent and capable of social disorder.

"It is instructive to point out that there is no iota of truth in such frivolous information, hence the need for organisations and persons to cross check their facts and figures accurately before publishing in order to avoid denting the image and credibility of others."

The statement further said: "The Minister in September 2011 handed over the instrument of authority to the Corps on behalf of the Federal Government in Owerri, Imo State during the Passing Out Ceremony of the Corps Armed Squad from Prison Arms Squad Training School and similarly in Kaduna State when the Nigeria Army graciously handed over G3 rifle to the Corps in June, 2012.

"The Corps wished to state without equivocation that it is not on record that any of the arms given to the Corps by the Federal Government was confiscated, missing or assigned to any other that the Corps personnel for official duties."

Also, the NSDC Commandant, Dr. Ade Abolurin said that the allegation holds no water as all Civil Defence arms and ammunitions are safely kept and accounted for at the armoury.

Abolurin, however, noted that going by the present security situation of the country it is counter-productive to our corporate existence as a people to play politics with sensitive issues such as arms.

He said: "To allege the office of the Hon. Minister of Interior of such heinous and grievous offence without confirming the facts may not only lead to general suspicion but could help incite negative reactions, crisis or breakdown of law and order if not properly managed".

"It is pertinent to advice that for the benefit of peace and unity of our nation one should be conscious and careful not to disseminate misleading information to the public especially at this critical moment in our nation's history"

"NSCDC, therefore applaud and commend the Honourable Minister for his giant strides and doggedness in repositioning the Ministry and the Parastatals as well as his vision in introducing the Paramilitary Village (Housing Scheme) for all the Services and the Vehicle Scheme in line with Mr. President's Transformation Agenda".