The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has assured Nigerians that the investigation into the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners in Niger State will follow due process, transparency and accountability.
The assurance follows the suspension of 24 personnel of the Corps over their alleged involvement in the incident.
The Corps Public Relations Officer, ACC Babawale Afolabi, said at the Corps Headquarters that three additional personnel had been identified and suspended, raising the number earlier reported as 21 to 24.
He said “the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and guide further action by the Corps.”
The Spokesman explained, “In a swift and decisive joint operation conducted in conjunction with the Commandant General’s Special Investigation Squad (SIS) all officers and men of the Niger State Command linked to the gross misconduct have since on the 17th September 2026 been taken into protective custody at the National Headquarters, Abuja, where they are undergoing rigorous interrogation and administrative disciplinary action, to make them available for the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigation panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.”
According to him, the Commandant General has ordered that the NSCDC flag be flown at half-mast across all formations for three (3) days, starting from “Sunday, 20th September 2026 to signal our collective mourning and our unwavering resolve to purge the system of bad eggs.”
The PRO quoted the Commandant General who said, “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.”
He affirmed, on behalf of the service, the commitment to keep the public informed regarding the outcomes of the investigation. He further emphasised that “the leadership of the NSCDC remained steadfast in its dedication to transparency, the protection of human rights, and adherence to professional ethics.”
In furtherance, he appreciated the patience and understanding of Nigerians during the internal re-evaluation.
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