The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has been ordered to step aside following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the state.
The directive was issued by NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, following an order by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The suspects reportedly died while in NSCDC custody after they were arrested during enforcement operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
NSCDC spokesman, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.
He said Tunji-Ojo directed Audi to activate a transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
In compliance with the directive, Audi ordered Aniviye and five heads of departments in the Niger State Command to immediately leave their posts and report to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.
The affected officers include the heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence, and Investigation.
“The CG has directed the state commandant to report forthwith to HQ alongside his heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation to face the constituted panel of inquiry,” Afolabi quoted Audi as saying.
Mr Audi also directed that a new commandant be deployed to Niger State to take charge of the command pending the outcome of the investigation.
The NSCDC spokesman said the decision was part of measures to ensure that the investigation was conducted without interference and that all circumstances surrounding the deaths were established.
According to him, the NSCDC commandant-general assured the Minister of Interior that the panel would leave no stone unturned in determining what led to the deaths.
He said personnel found culpable would face appropriate administrative, disciplinary or criminal sanctions in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
The development followed growing concerns over the deaths of the suspected illegal miners after their arrest during operations against illegal mining in the state.
The minister’s directive places the Niger State command under investigation as authorities seek to establish what happened to the suspects between their arrest and their deaths.
The NSCDC said it remained committed to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.
The corps also assured that the investigation would be conducted transparently and that appropriate action would be taken based on its findings.
