On Friday morning, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered the removal of the Niger State Commandant following the mysterious deaths of more than 30 illegal miners in the state’s custody.
The decision was made after a directive from the Minister of Interior, Tunji Ojo. Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC’s National Public Relations Officer, said the new commandant would be dispatched to Niger State to take immediate charge of the State Command.
Prof. Audi also instructed a full‑scale, transparent investigation involving the heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation. He assured the Interior Minister that “no stone would be left unturned” and that any officer or personnel found to have acted contrary to law, established procedures or professional standards would face appropriate administrative, disciplinary and, where applicable, criminal sanctions.
“The NSCDC remains committed to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of every person in its custody and will continue to ensure that the enforcement of its statutory mandate, including the fight against illegal mining and the protection of Nigeria’s critical national assets, is carried out in accordance with the law and established professional standards,” the statement added.
The deaths came after more than 30 illegal miners were arrested by the Niger State Command. The incident has prompted a review of the Corps’ handling of detainees and its procedures for dealing with illegal mining activities.
The NSCDC’s move signals a broader effort to address concerns over the treatment of detainees and to reinforce accountability within its ranks.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
