Nigeria civil defence chief pledges cooperation in inquiry into miners’ deaths

The head of Nigeria’s Civil Defence Corps has pledged full cooperation with a presidential investigation into the deaths of 37 artisanal miners in the organisation’s custody in Niger State. Commandant General Abubakar Audi made the assurance during a condolence visit to the Emir of Minna, Umar Farouk Bahago, and to the families of the deceased and survivors. Audi said he had come to express his sympathy and identify with those affected by the incident.

He said the Federal Government, acting on the Presidency’s directive, had constituted a high-powered committee to establish what happened. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, he added, was cooperating fully with the panel. Audi said relevant personnel had been placed in protective custody to ensure they remained available for questioning and to support a transparent investigation.

He also said the Corps would not protect any member of staff found culpable. The commandant general identified justice, transparency and accountability as priorities in the inquiry. He did not provide further details of the circumstances surrounding the miners’ deaths or say when the committee was expected to submit its findings.

During the visit, Audi joined Muslim worshippers in prayers for the dead and sought strength and comfort for their families. The Emir of Minna responded on behalf of the traditional institution and the affected families. Bahago thanked Audi for visiting personally and for the administrative measures taken by the Corps after the incident.

He also praised the NSCDC for cooperating with the presidential committee and for standing with the community during the period of mourning. The investigation is expected to determine the circumstances of the deaths and whether any officials or other individuals should face consequences. The supplied material does not state the location of the custody facility, the identities of the deceased or the findings of any preliminary inquiry.