Miners’ Deaths: NSCDC Suspends Additional 3 Officers, Flags To Fly Half-Mast

Three more personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been suspended as part of the ongoing investigation into the deaths of miners who died in the corps’ custody in Niger State.

This followed the order for three days of half-mast mourning to honour the deceased miners.

The NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, announced this on Sunday in Abuja.

NAIJAONPOINT reports that 21 NSCDC officers and men had initially been suspended and summoned to the NSCDC Headquarters, Abuja, following the death of no fewer than 30 illegal mining suspects.

Afolabi said that the NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Ahmed Audi, gave the directive in a solemn demonstration of institutional remorse, grief and absolute disapproval of the incident.

Audi said this aimed to signal collective mourning and an unwavering resolve to purge the system of bad eggs.

He added that the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigation panels would be made available to investigate and possibly prosecute the arrested personnel.

Recall that the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had set up a 10-member independent investigative committee to examine the situation surrounding the demise of the victims.

According to the CG, the corps was 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 said.

‎He pledged on behalf of the service to continue to keep the public abreast of the outcome of the investigation.

“The leadership of the NSCDC will continue to show unwavering commitment to transparency, human rights protection and professional ethics,” he assured.