Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Audi, declared on Thursday that the organisation will not protect any of its personnel found responsible for the deaths of miners and other suspects in its custody in Niger State. The statement was made during a condolence visit in Abuja to the Emir of Minna, His Royal Highness Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago, and to the families of the deceased and the survivor.
National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, relayed the CG’s pledge in a statement. The visit was intended to offer direct commiseration to the bereaved and to reaffirm the Corps’ commitment to accountability.
During the meeting, Professor Audi expressed his condolences and assured that “the Corps would not shield anyone found culpable, emphasising that justice and transparency will take precedence.” He also highlighted that a high‑powered investigative committee has been set up by the Federal Government to probe the incident, and that the NSCDC is fully cooperating with the panel.
To facilitate a transparent inquiry, relevant personnel have been placed in protective custody, making them fully available for the investigation. This move was cited to explain why affected officers remain in custody.
The CG’s visit also had a spiritual dimension, as he joined the Muslim faithful in third‑ and seventh‑day prayers for the departed, offering prayers for the repose of their souls and strength for the bereaved families.
In response, the Emir of Minna thanked the Commandant General for the swift administrative actions, the cooperation with the ministerial committee, and for personally visiting the community at a time of grief.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
