Deaths of 37 illegal miners: FG orders CG to probe officers involved, suspend commandant

From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja

The Federal Government has ordered the Commandant General (CG) of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to carry out a full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of illegal miners in the custody of its Niger State Command.

Angered by the deaths of the miners, Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered Audi to commence immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the individuals.

Consequently, the CG suspended the Niger State Commandant with immediate effect and told him to report forthwith to the National Headquarters, Abuja, alongside his heads of operations, mining, legal, intelligence and investigation to face the constituted panel of inquiry.

He also directed a new commandant to proceed to Niger State and assume immediate command of the state command.

The CG has assured the minister that no stone would be left unturned in the investigation process and any officer or personnel found to have acted contrary to the law, established procedures or professional standards will face appropriate administrative, disciplinary and, where applicable, criminal sanctions in accordance with extant laws and regulations.

“The NSCDC remains committed to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of every person in its custody and will continue to ensure that the enforcement of its statutory mandate, including the fight against illegal mining and the protection of Nigeria’s critical national assets, is carried out in accordance with the law and established professional standards” NSCDC said in a statement.

Recall that at least 37 suspected illegal miners died Thursday in the custody of NSCDC in Niger State.

Confirming the deaths, the Niger State governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago cited a possible outbreak of a disease while other reports pointed to overcrowding.