Niger NSCDC Commandant, Five Senior Officers Ordered to Face Inquiry Panel
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the deaths of illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Following the directive, the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered the Niger State Commandant to step aside immediately and report to the corps’ national headquarters in Abuja to appear before the panel of inquiry.
The state commandant is to be accompanied by the Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation, who have also been directed to appear before the panel.
Audi has also deployed a new commandant to Niger State to assume immediate command of the state command.
In a statement signed by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the corps said the investigation would be transparent and unhindered.
The NSCDC said any personnel found to have violated the law, established procedures or professional standards would face appropriate administrative, disciplinary or, where applicable, criminal sanctions.
“The CG assures the Hon Minister of Interior that no stone would be left unturned in the investigation process,” the statement said.
The corps also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.
It added that while the NSCDC would continue enforcing its mandate against illegal mining and protecting critical national assets, such operations must be conducted in accordance with the law and established professional standards.