Miners’ deaths: We won’t shield our personnel, NSCDC assures

Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Audi, has assured that the Corps will not shield any of its personnel found culpable in the deaths of some miners and other suspects in its custody in Niger State, stressing that justice and transparency will take precedence as investigations into the incident continue.

National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Assistant Commandant of Corps, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

He said Audi made the pledge during a condolence visit on the Emir of Minna, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago, as well as the parents of the deceased and the family of the survivor.

According to the statement, the visit was aimed at commiserating directly with the affected families during their period of grief.

During the interaction, the CG condoled with the families and gave a firm assurance that “the Corps would not shield anyone found culpable, emphasising that justice and transparency will take precedence”.

Speaking on the steps being taken to uncover the truth, the CG disclosed that the Federal Government has constituted a high-powered investigative committee to probe the incident and assured that the NSCDC is fully cooperating with the panel.

He explained that relevant personnel had already been placed in protective custody to make them fully available for a transparent investigation process, addressing questions on why affected officers remain in custody.

The statement added that the CG’s visit also carried a spiritual dimension, highlighting the cultural and significance of the third- and seventh-day prayers for the departed. Audi explained that he visited to join the Muslim faithful in offering prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased and strength for the bereaved families.

Responding on behalf of the traditional institution and the affected families, the Emir expressed appreciation to the Commandant General for the swift administrative actions taken, for cooperating with the ministerial committee, and for deeming it fit to personally visit and identify with the community in its moment of grief.