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The National Association of Nigerian Youth in Development (NANYD), has thrown its weight behind the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, praising his proactive handling of the Minna miners’ tragedy and his commitment to justices urging Nigerians to support the agency’s ongoing reforms at this very critical time.
In a statement by the association signed by its National President, Alhaji Bukura Ahmed P.hD, commended the NSCDC leadership for its “swift and decisive” response to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State, describing the measures taken as evidence of a leader committed to accountability and justice.
The youth body specifically highlighted the Commandant-General’s decision to parade the suspended Niger State Commandant, Subaru Siyaka Aniviye, alongside 23 other officers implicated in the incident at the Corps National Headquarters in Abuja. The total number of personnel in protective custody rose from 21 to 24 following the identification of three additional officers.
“In fact, parading those involved is a sign that he is ready to get to the root of the matter,” Ahmed stated, dismissing calls for the CG’s removal as politically motivated propaganda aimed at destabilising the nation’s security architecture.
The association also lauded the directive that NSCDC flags be flown at half-mast across all formations for three days beginning Sunday, September 20, 2026, describing it as “unprecedented accountability” that demonstrates institutional remorse and a genuine commitment to purging the system of bad eggs.
“This act shows seriousness and genuine intention. It shows a man who is accountable and ready to cooperate to ensure justice is done,” NANYD said.
The Commandant-General’s quest to unravel the cause of the deaths has been methodical. Following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive investigation, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, constituted a 10-member independent committee chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure . The panel, which includes a professor of histopathology and representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Miners Association of Nigeria, has been mandated to establish the identities of the deceased, investigate the cause and circumstances of their deaths and determine responsibility, complicity and negligence.
The NSCDC has refrained from speculation, stating that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation. The remains of the deceased have been deposited at General Hospital, Minna, for autopsy and forensic examination.
The youth body’s commendation comes against the backdrop of Professor Audi’s broader transformation of the NSCDC, which saw his tenure renewed for a second five-year term by President Tinubu in February 2026. Under his leadership since 2021, the Corps has undergone a fundamental repositioning as a frontline agency in safeguarding critical national assets.
“His administration has established specialised operational units including the Mining Marshals, Special Intelligence Squad, Female Special Force and the Crack Squad, significantly enhancing the Corps’ response to emerging security threats. To strengthen institutional capacity, he established the Command and Staff College in Jos and the Arms Squad Training College in Udege, alongside the development of harmonised curricula for all NSCDC training schools.”
In a major technological leap, Professor Audi deployed 41,886 high-tech surveillance devices nationwide, including drones, GPS trackers, bulletproof vests, night-vision goggles, and body cameras, equipping all 36 states and the FCT with modern operational tools . He also commissioned five strategic projects in 2026, including a Standard Mini Fire Fighting Station, a VIP Protection Unit Complex and a Hydrocarbon and Maritime Security Command and Control Centre.
On the economic front, the Corps under his watch arrested over 2,677 suspects for vandalism, illegal mining and economic sabotage within five years, destroyed over 400 illegal refineries and generated over N3.4 billion through the regulation of Private Guard Companies. Addressing long-standing morale issues, his administration resolved unpaid salary arrears and stalled promotions that had plagued the Corps for years.
NANYD also cautioned opposition political parties and social media commentators against exploiting the tragedy for political gain, urging them to support the government and relevant agencies in ensuring justice is done rather than making statements capable of causing unrest.
The association stated it is closely monitoring the investigation process and will comment further as the panel constituted by the Federal Government makes progress. It urged all well-meaning Nigerians to support the NSCDC leadership in its quest to unravel the truth, rather than falling into the trap of desperate politicians seeking to exploit the tragedy for personal or political advantage .
As the investigation continues, the coming days will reveal whether the panel’s findings will satisfy a public hungry for answers and whether the calls for restraint will be heeded by all sides of the political divide. “What remains clear is that the NSCDC under Professor Audi has confronted this tragedy with a transparency and decisiveness that reflects his broader mission to reform the agency and uphold its mandate to protect Nigerian lives.” the statement reads.
