The National Association of Nigerian Youth in Development (NANYD) has expressed support for the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi. In a statement, NANYD praised Audi's proactive handling of the Minna miners' tragedy and his commitment to justice. The association urged Nigerians to support the agency's ongoing reforms at this critical time.
NANYD commended the NSCDC leadership for its swift and decisive response to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State. The association highlighted the Commandant-General's decision to parade the suspended Niger State Commandant, Subaru Siyaka Aniviye, alongside 23 other officers implicated in the incident. This move was seen as evidence of a leader committed to accountability and justice.
The total number of personnel in protective custody rose from 21 to 24 following the identification of three additional officers. NANYD dismissed calls for Audi's removal as politically motivated propaganda aimed at destabilizing the nation's security architecture. The association lauded the directive that NSCDC flags be flown at half-mast across all formations for three days, describing it as unprecedented accountability.
The Commandant-General's quest to unravel the cause of the deaths has been methodical. Following President Bola Tinubu's directive for a comprehensive investigation, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, constituted a 10-member independent committee. The panel, which includes a professor of histopathology and representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Miners Association of Nigeria, has been mandated to establish the identities of the deceased and determine responsibility.
The NSCDC has refrained from speculation, stating that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation. The remains of the deceased have been deposited at General Hospital, Minna, for autopsy and forensic examination. NANYD cautioned opposition political parties and social media commentators against exploiting the tragedy for political gain.
Under Audi's leadership since 2021, the NSCDC has undergone a fundamental repositioning as a frontline agency in safeguarding critical national assets. His administration has established specialized operational units, including the Mining Marshals and Special Intelligence Squad. The Corps has also deployed 41,886 high-tech surveillance devices nationwide, including drones and body cameras.
NANYD urged all well-meaning Nigerians to support the NSCDC leadership in its quest to unravel the truth. The association stated it is closely monitoring the investigation process and will comment further as the panel constituted by the Federal Government makes progress. The coming days will reveal whether the panel's findings will satisfy a public hungry for answers.
Key points
- NANYD supports NSCDC's proactive handling of Minna miners' tragedy
- Association urges Nigerians to support agency's reforms
- NSCDC has deployed high-tech surveillance devices nationwide
