The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended three additional personnel and ordered its formations to fly flags at half-mast for three days following the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the corps’ custody in Niger State.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in Abuja on Sunday.
The latest suspensions bring the number of personnel suspended in connection with the incident to 24. The corps had earlier suspended 21 officers and men and summoned them to its headquarters in Abuja following the deaths of at least 30 suspected illegal mining operators in custody.
Afolabi said the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, ordered the three-day half-mast observance as a demonstration of institutional remorse and grief, as well as the corps’ condemnation of the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Audi said the measure was intended to reflect collective mourning and the service’s determination to rid its ranks of personnel whose conduct fell short of its standards.
He added that all personnel arrested or suspended in connection with the incident would be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels for further questioning and possible prosecution.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had earlier constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Audi said the NSCDC was founded on the principles of integrity, professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law.
“We do not condone unprofessional conduct, high-handedness or any action that undermines the fundamental rights of citizens or the sacred trust reposed in us,” he said.
The Commandant General pledged that the corps would continue to provide the public with updates on the outcome of the investigations.
He also reaffirmed the leadership’s commitment to transparency, the protection of human rights and professional ethics.
“The leadership of the NSCDC will continue to show unwavering commitment to transparency, human rights protection and professional ethics,” Audi said.
He thanked Nigerians for their patience and understanding as the corps undertakes an internal review of the incident.
The deaths have prompted investigations by government authorities, with the NSCDC saying its personnel involved in the matter would be subjected to the relevant investigative processes.
