The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended three more personnel in connection with the deaths of 37 people arrested for illegal mining in Niger State. This brings the total number of suspended personnel to 23, including Commandant Suberu. The suspensions were announced on Sunday, as the NSCDC also ordered three days of flying the flag at half-mast to mourn the victims.
The suspended personnel were paraded before journalists in Abuja on Sunday. NSCDC Spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, stated that the suspensions were part of an internal re-evaluation aimed at purging the system of bad eggs. The NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Ahmed Audi, directed the suspensions as a demonstration of institutional remorse and grief over the incident.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the setting up of a 10-member independent investigative committee to examine the situation surrounding the deaths of the victims. The committee will investigate the circumstances leading to the deaths and possible prosecution of those found culpable. The NSCDC has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that all arrested personnel are made available for further investigation.
Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has appealed to the Federal Government for an executive order to ban mining activities in areas of the state he described as problematic. Governor Bago stated that the state has no control over mining and that it would be difficult to drive away illegal miners, especially minors, without federal intervention. He emphasized the need for decisive action to address the issue.
Governor Bago highlighted the challenges of enforcing laws against illegal mining in his state. He noted that the miners, having tasted the financial benefits of mining, would not leave the sites easily. The governor stressed that an executive order from the Presidency or the Ministry of Mineral Resources would be necessary to ban mining in certain locations.
The NSCDC has assured the public that it will continue to show unwavering commitment to transparency, human rights protection, and professional ethics. The corps has pledged to keep the public abreast of the outcome of the investigation. NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi expressed appreciation for the patience and understanding of Nigerians as the internal re-evaluation is ongoing.
The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for stronger intervention from the Federal Government. The NSCDC's actions demonstrate its commitment to accountability and reform. Key stakeholders, including the Minister of Interior and the Niger State Governor, are working together to address the issue and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- NSCDC suspends 23 personnel over miners' deaths in Niger State.
- Niger State Governor Umaru Bago appeals for federal executive order to ban mining in problematic areas.
- Minister of Interior sets up 10-member independent investigative committee to examine the situation surrounding the deaths.
