The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has suspended three additional personnel over the deaths of suspected illegal miners in its custody in Niger State.
The development brings the number of NSCDC personnel held in connection with the incident to 24, following the initial suspension and detention of 21 officers and men.
NSCDC spokesman, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.
He said the additional personnel had been identified in connection with the incident and placed under suspension, while all affected officers from the Niger State Command had been moved to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.
The personnel are undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary procedures and will be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The NSCDC also ordered that its flag be flown at half-mast across all its formations for three days as a mark of mourning over the deaths.
Commandant General Ahmed Audi said the directive was intended to demonstrate the Corps’ grief and disapproval of the incident, while reaffirming its commitment to addressing misconduct within its ranks.
Audi said the NSCDC was founded on integrity, professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law, adding that the organisation would not tolerate unprofessional conduct, high-handedness or actions that violate citizens’ fundamental rights.
He said personnel found culpable would face internal disciplinary measures and the full extent of the law.
The deaths occurred after suspected illegal miners were arrested during NSCDC operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16. The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation.
The Federal Government has also constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident. The committee was announced by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and establish responsibility where wrongdoing is found.
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Femi Falana has called for the speedy investigation and prosecution of anyone found culpable in connection with the deaths.
The League of Northern Democrats has also called for an independent and unhindered investigation, saying the probe should establish what happened from the victims’ arrest through their detention, treatment and eventual deaths.
The group said allegations of illegal mining should not affect the right of detainees to humane treatment and due process.
Source: VANGUARD
