Groups urge evidence-based inquiry into deaths in NSCDC custody
Two civil society organisations have urged Nigerians not to hold the NSCDC commandant-general personally responsible for the deaths of suspected illegal miners in custody in Minna, Niger State, without the findings of an investigation. They called for due process and accountability at every level.
Two civil society organisations have urged Nigerians not to condemn the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps or its commandant-general over the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the corps’ custody in Minna, Niger State, before an investigation establishes responsibility. The Centre Against Injustice and Domestic Violence and Media for Equity and Good Governance made the appeal at a joint press briefing in Lagos on Friday. They expressed sympathy for the families of those who died and called for a transparent inquiry into the incident.
The groups said no public official should be shielded from investigation. However, they argued that individual, supervisory or institutional responsibility must be determined through credible evidence and due process rather than speculation, political considerations or public emotion. The organisations were responding to calls for Commandant-General Prof.
Ahmed Abubakar Audi to be held personally responsible. Their representatives, CAIDOV Executive Director Gbenga Soloki and Media for Equity and Good Governance President Rev. Femi Adepoju, said the NSCDC operates through several command levels.
They noted that the command structure includes state commandants, zonal commanders and other senior officers. While the commandant-general provides strategic leadership, they said he cannot personally supervise every regional operation. The groups also pointed to the NSCDC’s presentation of officers allegedly connected with the incident before journalists.
They said this showed that those linked to the case were available for investigation and that the inquiry should determine what happened, the roles of the individuals involved and whether established procedures were followed. They cautioned, however, that the corps’ broader operational record should not influence the findings of the Niger investigation. Past achievements, they said, should neither shield personnel from accountability nor be used to prejudge the case.
The organisations recommended that any shortcomings identified should be used to strengthen the NSCDC. They called for additional resources, personnel, training and logistics, alongside stronger accountability, professionalism and respect for Nigerians’ fundamental rights.
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