The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has removed its Niger State Commandant from operational duties and commenced a full-scale investigation into the deaths of illegal miners who were in the custody of the Corps.
The development followed an order by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, directing the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof Ahmed Audi, to conduct a transparent and unhindered probe into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Acting on the minister’s directive, Audi ordered the Niger State Commandant to immediately step aside and report to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja to appear before the panel constituted to investigate the incident.
The state commandant’s Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence, and Investigation were also directed to report to the national headquarters and face the inquiry panel.
To ensure continuity of command and prevent any disruption to operations in the state, the NSCDC Commandant General has directed another commandant to proceed to Niger State and assume immediate control of the command.
The Corps, in statement signed by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any personnel breached the law, operational procedures or professional standards in handling the detainees.
Audi assured the Interior Minister that the investigation would be comprehensive and that any officer found culpable would face appropriate administrative or disciplinary action and, where necessary, criminal proceedings under extant laws.
The NSCDC said the probe was also intended to reinforce accountability within its ranks, particularly in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities relating to illegal mining and the protection of critical national assets.
The Corps stressed that the enforcement of its mandate must be conducted within the framework of the law, while safeguarding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.
The latest action places the conduct of NSCDC personnel involved in the Niger detention incident under formal scrutiny and signals the ministry’s demand for accountability over the deaths of the detainees.
Michael Olugbode
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