The Jama'atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and the Arewa Think Tank have demanded a thorough and credible investigation into the deaths of 37 miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. JNI Secretary-General, Professor Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, stated that the Islamic body was disturbed by the continued killings, abductions, banditry, and terrorist attacks across Nigeria. The JNI condemned the escalating insecurity and called for an independent investigation.
The JNI, under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar, expressed concern over recent incidents in various states, including Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Gombe, Kogi, Benue, and Plateau. The body described the death of 37 persons in NSCDC custody as particularly worrisome, following their arrest over alleged illegal mining. The JNI welcomed the Federal Government's decision to launch an independent investigation and suspend the officers involved.
The JNI demanded a transparent, thorough, and credible probe into the incident, emphasizing that no attempt should be made to shield anyone found culpable. The body unequivocally condemned the killing and abduction of innocent citizens, stating that no grievance or ideology could justify terrorism, banditry, or the deliberate killing of human beings. The JNI commended the sacrifices of security agencies and called for improved intelligence, better coordination, adequate equipment, and enhanced welfare for personnel.
The Arewa Think Tank, in a statement issued by its convener, Muhammad Alhàji Yakubu, also called for due process in the ongoing investigation. The group argued that responsibility should be established on the basis of evidence rather than assumptions. Yakubu stated that the investigation should be allowed to establish individual and institutional responsibilities before conclusions are reached about the Commandant-General of the NSCDC.
The Federal Government and the NSCDC have commenced investigations into the incident, with the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and 23 other personnel taken into custody in connection with the deaths. Authorities have stated that anyone found culpable will face disciplinary and legal action. Yakubu emphasized that the existence of an alleged operational failure at the state level should not automatically translate into a conclusion that the Commandant-General was personally responsible.
The Arewa Think Tank convener pointed to previous directives attributed to NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, concerning the treatment and detention of suspects. Yakubu argued that such directives should form part of the evidence considered by investigators. He described the deaths as tragic and stated that the victims and their families deserved a transparent investigation capable of establishing what happened and who, if anyone, should be held responsible.
The controversy surrounding the incident has sparked calls for the removal of the NSCDC Commandant-General. However, Yakubu argued that the investigation should not overshadow the broader fight against illegal mining, which requires effective security and regulatory institutions. The JNI and Arewa Think Tank have prayed for the repose of those killed by insecurity, the safe return of those in captivity, healing for the injured, and comfort for the families of the 37 persons who died in NSCDC custody.
Key points
- - JNI and Arewa Think Tank demand transparent investigation into deaths of 37 miners in NSCDC custody. - Investigation should establish individual and institutional responsibilities. - Incident sparks calls for removal of NSCDC Commandant-General.
