Two groups, the Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence and Media for Equity and Good Governance, have urged Nigerians to exercise caution in condemning the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and its Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, over the recent deaths of alleged illegal miners in Minna, Niger State. They emphasized the need for a thorough and transparent investigation to establish what happened and determine responsibility based on evidence. The groups expressed sympathy with the families of those affected and called for caution in determining the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The groups, in a joint media parley in Lagos, stated that public officials should be subjected to investigation where necessary, but warned against reaching conclusions without evidence and due process. They noted that no public official should be above investigation, but neither should any individual be condemned without evidence and due process. The groups also congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians on the country's 66th Independence Anniversary and acknowledged the economic reforms being implemented by the Tinubu administration.
The groups urged the Federal Government to continue to pursue policies capable of translating improvements in national economic indicators into tangible improvements in the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians. They noted that many Nigerians continue to experience economic hardship and increasing pressure on household incomes. The groups also called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the Minna incident, saying that responsibility – whether individual, supervisory or institutional – must be established through credible evidence and a transparent investigation.
The groups argued that the Commandant-General of the NSCDC cannot personally supervise every officer and every operation across the federation simultaneously. They noted that this does not remove institutional responsibility, but rather makes it even more important for the investigation to determine what happened, who was directly responsible, and whether established procedures were followed. The groups emphasized that where wrongdoing, negligence or criminal conduct is established, those responsible should be held accountable in accordance with the law.
The groups also canvassed that the present controversy should be considered alongside the broader record of the NSCDC under Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi. They noted that since assuming leadership of the Corps, his administration has pursued initiatives aimed at strengthening operational capacity, personnel training, intelligence gathering, and protection of critical national assets and infrastructure. The groups urged that public officials should be assessed on their documented actions, institutional outcomes, and adherence to the responsibilities of their offices.
The groups emphasized that accountability remains fundamental to maintaining public confidence in security institutions. They noted that accountability must equally be founded upon facts, evidence, and due process. The groups also commended the NSCDC for publicly presenting the officers allegedly involved in the incident before members of the press, demonstrating transparency and assuring Nigerians that those connected with the incident were available for investigation.
The groups advocated for increased government funding for the NSCDC, improved operational logistics, appropriate equipment, and additional manpower, particularly following the expansion of the Corps' responsibilities, including its new assignment relating to VIP protection. They emphasized that greater resources must go hand in hand with greater accountability, professionalism, and respect for the fundamental rights of Nigerians.
Key points
- The groups urged caution in condemning the NSCDC and its Commandant-General over the Minna custodial deaths.
- A thorough and transparent investigation is necessary to establish what happened and determine responsibility.
- The groups advocated for increased government funding and improved operational logistics for the NSCDC.
