The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended three additional personnel and ordered three days of half-mast in mourning for suspected illegal miners who died in its custody in Niger State.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, on Sunday September 20, said the directive was issued by the Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, as a demonstration of institutional remorse and condemnation of the incident. The latest action brings the number of suspended personnel to 24, after 21 officers and men were initially suspended and summoned to the corps’ headquarters in Abuja.
Audi said all suspended personnel would be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels for further examination and possible prosecution. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had earlier constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The NSCDC chief said the corps was founded on integrity, professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law, stressing that it would not condone unprofessional conduct or actions that violate citizens’ fundamental rights. He pledged that the service would remain transparent and keep the public informed as investigations continue.
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