The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the removal of the Niger State Commandant following the deaths of more than 30 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the command.
Audi also ordered a full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
In a statement issued on Friday by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, the decision followed a directive from the Minister of Interior, Tunji Ojo.
The NSCDC said the heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation have also been invited to provide information as part of the investigation.
The Commandant General has further directed a new commandant to proceed to Niger State and immediately assume control of the state command.
Audi assured the Minister of Interior that the corps would leave no stone unturned in establishing the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He added that any officer or personnel found to have acted contrary to the law, established procedures or professional standards would face appropriate administrative or disciplinary action and, where applicable, criminal sanctions in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
The NSCDC said it remains committed to protecting the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.
The corps also reaffirmed that its enforcement duties, including the fight against illegal mining and the protection of critical national assets, must be carried out in accordance with the law and established professional standards.
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