The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has vowed to ensure that the 23 officers linked to the deaths of 37 miners in Niger State are held accountable if investigations establish their involvement.
Audi made the commitment while speaking with journalists during the inauguration of an investigation panel at the office of the Minister of Interior.
The panel was set up following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the miners and determine what led to the incident.
The NSCDC boss said the Corps would not interfere with the investigation or conceal any information that could help establish the truth.
According to him, the officers implicated in the incident had been detained, interrogated and paraded, and would remain in custody to allow the investigation panel access to them throughout the process.
Audi said he and the Minister of Interior had taken immediate steps after receiving news of the deaths to ensure that those connected to the incident were available for questioning.
He assured the families of the deceased and Nigerians that the investigation would be handled transparently and that any officer found culpable would face appropriate consequences.
The Commandant General also directed personnel across NSCDC formations to remain vigilant and strictly follow operational procedures and established best practices.
He described the incident as a serious reminder of the need for personnel to carry out their duties responsibly and in line with the rules governing the Corps.
Audi called on Nigerians to remain calm as the investigation continues, saying the NSCDC, Ministry of Interior and other relevant authorities were working to establish what happened.
He also disclosed that he had ordered the NSCDC flag to be flown at half-mast in honour of the 37 miners who died.
The NSCDC boss said the tragedy would not stop personnel from carrying out their responsibilities, adding that the Corps remained committed to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure.
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He further mentioned recent operations by the Corps, including the arrest of suspected pipeline vandals in Abuja and the discovery of a factory in Badagry, Lagos, allegedly involved in producing fake drinks.
Audi urged Nigerians to continue supporting and praying for NSCDC personnel as the agency deals with the aftermath of the incident.
The investigation panel is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 miners and establish whether any of the 23 detained officers played a role in the incident.
The NSCDC leadership said accountability would follow if the investigation establishes wrongdoing.
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