The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the removal of the Niger State Commandant of the corps and directed a full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of illegal miners in the custody of the Niger State Command.

The heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation have also been invited for thorough investigation.

DAILY POST recalls that over 30 arrested illegal miners in the custody of the Niger State Command died mysteriously.

Assistant Commandant of Corps, Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, in a statement on Friday morning, said the order followed a directive by the Minister of Interior, Tunji Ojo.

Afolabi added that the CG had directed a new Commandant to proceed to Niger State and assume immediate command of the State Command.

The CG assured the Minister of Interior that no stone would be left unturned in the investigation process, adding that any officer or personnel found to have acted contrary to the law, established procedures or professional standards would face appropriate administrative, disciplinary and, where applicable, criminal sanctions in accordance with extant laws and regulations.

“The NSCDC remains committed to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of every person in its custody and will continue to ensure that the enforcement of its statutory mandate, including the fight against illegal mining and the protection of Nigeria’s critical national assets, is carried out in accordance with the law and established professional standards,” the statement said.