<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has commended the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for what it described as his swift, responsible and decisive handling of the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organisation also praised the Federal Government for its prompt intervention, saying the steps taken so far demonstrated a willingness to address the incident transparently and ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths are properly established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, the CD described Professor Audi’s response as a demonstration of responsible leadership, particularly because he moved quickly to initiate an internal investigation rather than allow speculation and unverified claims to define the narrative surrounding the tragedy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organisation commiserated with the families of the deceased, as well as the government and people of Niger State, describing the deaths as unfortunate and regrettable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The suspected illegal miners were reportedly arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi\/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CD said Professor Audi’s immediate reaction to the incident deserved particular recognition, noting that the NSCDC Commandant General did not treat the matter as an issue to be ignored or handled defensively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead, according to the organisation, he took concrete institutional steps to establish the facts, demonstrate command responsibility and ensure that allegations arising from the incident were subjected to proper investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CD particularly commended Audi for directing the constitution of a high-powered investigative team headed by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organisation said the decision reflected the Commandant General’s commitment to institutional accountability and his determination to establish, through due process, what happened to the suspects from the point of arrest until their deaths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The investigation is expected to examine the condition of the suspects at the time of their arrest, the duration of their detention, the circumstances and conditions of their custody, the medical attention provided to them and other factors that may have contributed to their deaths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CD also praised Professor Audi for directing the Niger State Commandant and relevant heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation to report to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja as part of the investigative process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the organisation, the directive demonstrated that the Commandant General was prepared to bring the full weight of the Corps’ institutional mechanisms to bear in determining the facts surrounding the incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organisation further commended the decision to appoint a new Commandant to oversee the Niger State Command, describing the administrative measure as a practical step towards creating an environment in which the investigation could proceed without unnecessary interference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CD also welcomed the reported withdrawal of relevant tactical personnel to the NSCDC headquarters for scrutiny, noting that the measure would help preserve the integrity of the investigative process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It stressed that these actions should not be interpreted as a declaration of guilt or innocence against any individual personnel. Rather, the organisation said, they demonstrated the Commandant General’s willingness to allow facts, evidence and due process to determine responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lawson described Professor Audi’s handling of the incident as an example of the importance of command responsibility in Nigeria’s security institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the Commandant General had shown that leadership goes beyond issuing operational directives and includes the courage to subject one’s own institution, structures and personnel to scrutiny when serious questions arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CD said Audi’s approach was particularly significant because the NSCDC is entrusted with sensitive responsibilities involving law enforcement, protection of critical national assets and the fight against illegal mining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organisation noted that while personnel must enforce the law firmly, such enforcement must be carried out within the law and with respect for human dignity, fundamental rights and the safety and welfare of persons in custody.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CD said Professor Audi had, through his response to the Niger State incident, reinforced the principles of professionalism, discipline, transparency and accountability within the Corps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It added that his decision to immediately activate investigative mechanisms showed an understanding that the credibility of a security institution depends not only on its ability to enforce the law but also on its willingness to investigate itself when allegations arise against its personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organisation further stated that the investigation could provide an opportunity for the NSCDC leadership to identify any operational, administrative or welfare shortcomings and take corrective measures where necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CD also commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his prompt intervention and directive for a full-scale investigation into the incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It noted that the Minister had ordered the suspension of the Niger State Commandant pending the outcome of the investigation, describing the action as an indication that the Federal Government was treating the matter with the seriousness it deserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While commending the government and NSCDC leadership for their response, the Campaign for Democracy urged Nigerians to exercise restraint and allow the investigation and medical examinations to establish the facts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organisation cautioned against drawing conclusions from unverified reports, particularly as claims concerning the specific causes of the deaths remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It appealed to the families of the deceased, community leaders, civil society organisations, the media and members of the public to allow the investigative process to run its full course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CD said the families of the deceased deserved truth and justice, while NSCDC personnel were equally entitled to a fair process in which allegations would be examined objectively and in accordance with due process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cThe Nigerian public deserves an investigation capable of establishing the facts without fear, favour or institutional interference,\u201d the CD said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
The organisation expressed confidence in the investigative process initiated under Professor Audi’s leadership and urged the investigative team to examine every aspect of the incident thoroughly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The CD further praised the Commandant General for demonstrating that effective security leadership requires both operational firmness and institutional accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It said Professor Audi’s handling of the tragedy had reinforced the principle that when serious questions arise within a security organisation, responsible leadership requires transparency, investigation and a willingness to accept the findings of an independent fact-finding process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organisation maintained that where wrongdoing is established, appropriate sanctions should follow in accordance with the law. At the same time, it said personnel against whom allegations are not substantiated should have their reputations protected by the findings of a credible investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Campaign for Democracy said it would continue to support security institutions that combine effective law enforcement with professionalism, discipline, respect for human rights and accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It added that the response of Professor Audi and the Federal Government could serve as an important demonstration of how security institutions can respond to difficult incidents by prioritising facts, due process and institutional accountability.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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Niger Mining Tragedy: CD Applauds Prof. Audi\u2019s Leadership, Commends FG Over Swift Response -<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/psmnigeria.org\/?p=29599\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Niger Mining Tragedy: CD Applauds Prof. Audi\u2019s Leadership, Commends FG Over Swift Response -\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has commended the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi,…\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/psmnigeria.org\/?p=29599\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-09-18T19:34:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta 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