By Nkechi Eze
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
According to an official statement signed by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, the Minister directed the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi to conduct a transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
In compliance with the directive, the Commandant General has ordered the Niger State Commandant to step aside with immediate effect and report to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja alongside the Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation to appear before the constituted panel of inquiry.
The CG has also directed a new Commandant to proceed to Niger State and immediately assume command of the State Command.
The Corps said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any personnel violated the law, established procedures or professional standards.
The NSCDC Commandant General assured the Minister of Interior that “no stone would be left unturned” in the investigation, adding that any officer or personnel found culpable would face appropriate administrative, disciplinary and, where applicable, criminal sanctions in accordance with extant laws and regulations.
The Corps further reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody, stressing that the enforcement of its statutory responsibilities, including the fight against illegal mining and protection of Nigeria’s critical national assets, must be carried out within the law and established professional standards.
