Pix: Prof. Audi

By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to transparency, accountability and due process as an independent committee begins an investigation into the reported deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the NSCDC Niger State Command in Minna.Audi joined the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and other senior officials of the Ministry and its agencies at the inauguration of the 10 member committee, chaired by Mr Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director General of the Department of State Services.The committee, comprising professionals with diverse expertise and proven integrity, has been mandated to independently establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and make appropriate recommendations based on its findings.While inaugurating the committee, Tunji-Ojo charged its members to carry out their assignment with professionalism, impartiality and integrity, stressing the need to establish the facts and provide credible answers to the bereaved families and the Nigerian public.Responding on behalf of the committee, Kure expressed sympathy with the families of the deceased and assured that members would approach the assignment with diligence, objectivity and a strong sense of responsibility to the nation.The NSCDC welcomed the independent investigation and pledged to provide the committee with full access to relevant records, information and personnel required to discharge its mandate effectively. The Corps expressed confidence that a thorough and credible investigation would clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and guide any necessary action.The Corps also expressed sympathy with the bereaved families, acknowledging the pain and loss arising from the incident. It reiterated that respect for human dignity, accountability, transparency and strict adherence to the law remain fundamental to its mandate and custodial responsibilities.