The South-South Youths Initiative has rejected calls for the removal of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, following the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Minna, Niger State. The group described the demands as unwarranted, arguing that Audi should not be held responsible for an alleged operational breach involving a State Commandant.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Imeabe Saviour Oscar, the group emphasized its commitment to institutional integrity and due process. It urged stakeholders to consider the NSCDC's administrative structure before demanding Audi's removal. The NSCDC has a hierarchical structure with Deputy Commandant Generals and Assistant Commandant Generals next in line after the Commandant General.
The group explained that State Commandants, although appointed by the Commandant General, are administratively answerable to their respective Zonal Commanders. According to the NSCDC Act of 2003, State Commandants are empowered to carry out Corps activities within their respective states. Each State Command has its own departments handling day-to-day activities.
The South-South Youths Initiative noted that Audi had issued circulars directing formations of the Corps not to detain suspects beyond 24 hours, in line with constitutional provisions. The circulars were issued in 2022 and 2024 and widely circulated to all State Commands. The group argued that it is unjust to hold Audi responsible for an alleged offence committed by a State Commandant.
The group defended Audi's record in the fight against criminal activities in the oil and gas sector, citing his efforts that contributed to the stabilization of crude oil production in the Niger Delta. When Audi helped the Federal Government stabilize crude oil production, increasing it from 800,000 barrels per day to 1.6 million barrels per day, no one called for his removal.
The South-South Youths Initiative alleged that the current calls for Audi's removal are linked to his renewed efforts to tackle illegal mining. The group claimed that some powerful illegal miners and their collaborators, who are uncomfortable with Audi's onslaught, are sponsoring the campaigns against him. In 2025, the Federal Government generated about N40 billion from mining activities, largely due to reforms introduced under Audi's leadership.
The group called on the Presidency, Minister of Interior, and other stakeholders to disregard the calls for Audi's removal and support him in combating illegal mining and other forms of criminality. The South-South Youths Initiative urged the authorities to allow Audi to replicate his success in the Niger Delta in the mining sector.
Key points
- The South-South Youths Initiative rejects demands for NSCDC CG Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi's removal over Minna miners' deaths.
- The group defends Audi's record in the fight against criminal activities in the oil and gas sector.
- The initiative alleges that calls for Audi's removal are sponsored by individuals involved in illegal mining.
