The Federal Government has ordered a full-scale investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The directive came from the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who ordered the Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Prof Ahmed Audi, to ensure a transparent and unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Acting on the minister’s directive, Audi immediately suspended the Niger State Commandant and ordered him to report to the NSCDC national headquarters in Abuja.
The suspended commandant has also been directed to appear before a specially constituted panel of inquiry.
The panel will also question other senior personnel of the Niger State Command, including the heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation.
The development was disclosed in a statement by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi.
To maintain operational continuity in the state, Audi has directed a newly appointed commandant to take over the Niger State Command with immediate effect.
The NSCDC said the administrative measures followed the minister’s directive for a transparent investigation into the incident and were intended to establish what happened during the miners’ detention.
Audi assured the Minister of Interior that the investigation would be thorough, saying personnel found to have violated the law, established procedures or professional standards would face appropriate sanctions.
The NSCDC said such sanctions could include administrative and disciplinary measures and, where applicable, criminal proceedings.
The corps also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of persons in its custody.
It said its operations against illegal mining and the protection of critical national assets must be carried out within the law and in line with established professional standards.
The investigation is therefore expected to establish the circumstances of the deaths, determine whether any NSCDC personnel breached operational or legal procedures, and identify those who may be held responsible.