The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has suspended three more personnel and ordered three days of half-mast in mourning for alleged illegal miners who died in its custody in Niger State.
The latest disciplinary action brings to 24 the number of NSCDC personnel suspended over the deaths of the 37 mining suspects in custody.
The suspended personnels have also been summoned to the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja as investigations into the incident continue.
Audi said the measure was intended to signify collective mourning and the corps’ determination to rid the service of personnel found to have acted improperly.
The development comes as the NSCDC detains and parades several personnel, including the suspended Niger State Commandant, Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, at its headquarters in Abuja.
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The corps says the personnel are undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary procedures and will be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other panels for further investigation 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 of the victims.
According to Audi, the NSCDC was established 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.
Audi pledged that the corps would continue to keep Nigerians informed about the outcome of the investigations.
“The leadership of the NSCDC will continue to show unwavering commitment to transparency, human rights protection and professional ethics,” he said.
He also appealed for the patience and understanding of Nigerians as the corps conducts an internal review of the incident.
NAN
