The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested and detained 24 of its personnel in connection with the death of 33 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, said due process, transparency and accountability would be strictly followed in the investigation, assuring that any personnel found culpable would face internal disciplinary measures and prosecution.
The Corps Public Relations Officer, ACC Babawale Afolabi, who paraded the officers at the Corps Headquarters in Abuja, said three additional personnel had been identified and placed on suspension, bringing the total number in custody to 24, up from the initial 21.
“In a swift and decisive joint operation conducted in conjunction with the Commandant General’s Special Investigation Squad, all officers and men of the Niger State Command linked to the gross misconduct have since September 17 been taken into protective custody at the National Headquarters, Abuja, where they are undergoing rigorous interrogation and administrative disciplinary action, so as to make them available for the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other panels,” Afolabi said.
He said the Commandant General had ordered the NSCDC flag to be flown at half-mast across all formations for three days, from Sunday, September 20, in mourning and to signal the Corps’ disapproval of the incident.
“As a Corps built on integrity, professionalism, discipline, and absolute respect for the rule of law, we do not condone unprofessional conduct, high-handedness, or any action that undermines the fundamental rights of citizens or the sacred trust reposed in us,” Audi was quoted as saying.
The Corps pledged to keep the public informed on the outcome of the investigation, reiterating its commitment to transparency, human rights protection and professional ethics.
Those held in custody include the suspended Niger State Commandant, Commandant Subaru Siyaka Aniviye, three Deputy Commandants of Corps, including Ajayi Philips (HOD Intelligence and Investigation), John Agrahau Chagwa (HOD Operations) and Obafemi Elvis, as well as ACC Stephen Tsado, two Chief Superintendents, three Deputy Superintendents, two Assistant Superintendents, two Inspectors and other rank and file.
The list includes CSC Oluwadare Sunday, CSC Annas Shittu Lamino, SC Usman Isah Ndamaka, DSC Aminu Sule Garba, DSC Musa Marafa, DSC Isah Sulaiman, ASCI Hassan Muhammad, ASCI Alhassan Muhammad, Aliyu Sallah, IC Abdullahi Sale, IC Mohammed N. Sonfada, Mohammed Jiya, Sale Adamu, Haruna Muhammed, CCA Baba Muhamma, CAI Isah Sanusi, CAI Liman Abubakar, CAI Bala Usman and CAI Ahmed Wushishi.
