Niger miners’ deaths: NSCDC suspends 24 personnel, orders 3-day mourning
By Felix Uroko
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has stepped up its response to the deaths of suspected illegal miners in custody, suspending three additional personnel and ordering its offices to fly flags at half-mast for three days.
The latest action brings the number of NSCDC personnel suspended over the incident to 24.
NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this on Sunday in Abuja.
At least 30 suspected illegal miners reportedly died while in NSCDC custody in Niger State, prompting investigations and the suspension of 21 personnel in the initial response.
NSCDC orders three days of mourning
Commandant General of the corps, Ahmed Audi, directed the three-day half-mast as a mark of institutional grief and remorse over the deaths.
According to him, the decision also reflects the NSCDC leadership’s determination to identify and remove personnel found to have acted outside the standards of the organisation.
Audi said the suspended personnel would be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels for questioning and possible prosecution.
Interior Ministry launches probe
The development comes as an independent investigation into the deaths gets underway.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has constituted a 10-member investigative committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The NSCDC said it would cooperate with the committee and other panels investigating the matter.
Audi maintained that the corps would not tolerate conduct that violates citizens’ rights or undermines public confidence in the organisation.
«“We do not condone unprofessional conduct, high-handedness or any action that undermines the fundamental rights of citizens or the sacred trust reposed in us.”»
He also pledged to keep Nigerians informed about the outcome of the investigations.
‘We are committed to transparency’
Audi said the NSCDC leadership was committed to transparency, protection of human rights and professional ethics as the investigation continues.
He appealed for patience and understanding from Nigerians while the corps carries out an internal re-evaluation of the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
