The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Audi, has assured that the Corps will not shield any personnel found culpable in the deaths of miners and other suspects while in its custody in Niger State.
Audi said justice and transparency would take precedence as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja following the Commandant General’s condolence visit to the Emir of Minna, His Royal Highness Alhaji Umar Farouk Bahago, the parents of the deceased and the family of a survivor.
According to the statement, the visit was aimed at commiserating directly with the affected families and assuring them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated.
During his interaction with the families, Audi gave what the Corps described as a firm assurance that “the Corps would not shield anyone found culpable,” stressing that justice and transparency would guide the investigation.
The NSCDC chief also disclosed that the Federal Government had constituted a high-powered investigative committee to probe the incident, adding that the Corps was cooperating fully with the panel.
He explained that relevant NSCDC personnel had already been placed in protective custody to ensure their availability throughout the investigation.
The clarification followed questions over why officers connected with the incident remained in custody while the investigation was ongoing.
According to the Corps, placing the personnel in protective custody is intended to facilitate an unhindered and transparent investigation into what happened.
Audi also used the visit to participate in prayers for the deceased, noting the cultural and religious significance of the third- and seventh-day prayers observed by Muslim faithful.
He joined the community in praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength and comfort for their families.
Responding on behalf of the traditional institution and the affected families, the Emir of Minna expressed appreciation to the Commandant General for the administrative measures already taken by the Corps.
The Emir also acknowledged the NSCDC’s cooperation with the ministerial investigative committee and thanked Audi for personally visiting the community to identify with the bereaved families.
The deaths have continued to generate public concern and calls for a transparent investigation into the treatment of persons held in the custody of security agencies.
The NSCDC has maintained that the investigation will determine what happened and whether any of its personnel bears responsibility, with Audi insisting that anyone found culpable would not be protected by the Corps.
... “We Will Not Shield Anyone Found Culpable” — NSCDC CG Assures Families Over Deaths Of Miners, Others In Niger Custody ... TheNigeriaLawyer.