Pix; Professor Audi

By Umoru Pategi, Minna

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has assured the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, that a comprehensive, transparent and impartial investigation will be conducted into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Corps’ Niger State Command.Prof. Audi gave the assurance following a directive by the Minister of Interior ordering a full-scale probe into the incident. The Commandant General pledged that no aspect of the matter would be overlooked and that the investigation would be carried out without interference to establish the facts surrounding the unfortunate development.He further stated that any officer or personnel found to have acted in violation of extant laws, operational procedures or professional standards would face appropriate administrative, disciplinary and, where necessary, criminal sanctions in accordance with the law.As part of immediate measures to ensure transparency and accountability, the Commandant General directed the Niger State Commandant to step aside with immediate effect and report to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.Also directed to report to the National Headquarters are the Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation of the Niger State Command, who are expected to appear before a panel of inquiry constituted to investigate the incident.In a related development, the Commandant General has ordered the deployment of a new State Commandant to Niger State to assume command and oversee the activities of the Command pending the conclusion of the investigation.Earlier, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had directed the NSCDC leadership to conduct a full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation into the deaths of the suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Corps in Niger State.The Minister emphasised the need for a thorough and credible inquiry to ascertain the circumstances that led to the incident and ensure that justice is served in line with the principles of accountability and the rule of law.The NSCDC reiterated its commitment to protecting the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of all persons in its custody, stressing that the enforcement of its statutory responsibilities, including the fight against illegal mining and the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure, would continue to be carried out in strict compliance with the law and established professional standards.The Corps further assured Nigerians of its determination to uphold professionalism, transparency and respect for human rights in the discharge of its mandate, while cooperating fully with all lawful processes aimed at uncovering the truth behind the incident.