….Urges Nigerians to await outcome of investigation
The Campaign for Democracy (CD) has commended the Federal Government and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, for what it described as their prompt and decisive response to the deaths of some suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
The organisation also commiserated with the families of the deceased, as well as the Government and people of Niger State, describing the incident as unfortunate and regrettable.
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Comrade Olufemi Lawson, the CD said the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be thoroughly established through a credible investigation and medical examination.
The suspected illegal miners were reportedly arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The CD particularly commended the NSCDC Commandant General for his immediate institutional response, noting that rather than allowing speculation or premature conclusions to dominate the narrative, Audi moved to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
According to the organisation, the CG promptly directed the constitution of a high-powered investigative team headed by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, with a mandate to examine the circumstances leading to the deaths.
The investigation is expected to examine the condition of the suspects upon arrest, the period they spent in custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the medical attention provided to them and other circumstances surrounding the incident.
The CD further highlighted the CG’s directive for the Niger State Commandant and relevant heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation to report to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja as part of the investigative process.
It also noted the directive for a new Commandant to assume command of the Niger State Command, describing the administrative measures as necessary steps towards ensuring an unhindered investigation.
The organisation further commended the reported withdrawal of relevant tactical personnel to the NSCDC headquarters for scrutiny as part of measures designed to ensure that the investigation is not compromised.
The CD stressed that the measures should not be interpreted as prejudging the guilt or innocence of any personnel, but rather as steps to create the appropriate environment for an objective determination of what transpired.
According to Lawson, the response of the NSCDC leadership demonstrates the importance of command responsibility and institutional accountability in the country’s security architecture.
He said Audi had demonstrated that accountability within a security organisation must include the willingness of its leadership to subject its own structures and personnel to investigation whenever serious questions arise.
The organisation also noted the CG’s position that personnel found to have acted contrary to the law, established procedures or professional standards should face appropriate administrative, disciplinary or, where applicable, criminal sanctions.
The CD said the position was particularly important given the NSCDC’s statutory responsibility to combat illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s natural resources and critical national assets.
It, however, emphasised that the enforcement of such mandates must be conducted within the framework of the law, while respecting human dignity and the fundamental rights, safety and welfare of persons in custody.
The organisation described the steps taken by Audi as a reaffirmation of his commitment to discipline, professionalism, accountability and institutional integrity within the NSCDC.
It said the investigation could also provide an opportunity for the Corps to identify and address any operational, administrative or welfare gaps that may have contributed to the unfortunate development.
The CD equally commended the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his prompt intervention and directive for a full-scale investigation into the matter.
The organisation noted that the Minister had ordered the suspension of the Niger State Commandant pending the outcome of the investigation, describing the action as an indication of the seriousness with which the Federal Government was treating the incident.
The Campaign for Democracy, however, urged Nigerians not to prejudge the outcome of the investigation, particularly as reports attributing the deaths to specific causes remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
It appealed to the families of the deceased, community leaders, civil society organisations, the media and members of the public to allow the investigative and medical processes to run their full course.
The organisation said while the families of the deceased deserved truth and justice, NSCDC personnel also deserved a fair process in which allegations would be examined objectively.
“The Nigerian public deserves an investigation capable of establishing the facts without fear, favour or institutional interference,” the CD said.
The organisation expressed confidence in the investigative process initiated under the leadership of the NSCDC Commandant General and urged that every aspect of the incident be examined objectively.
The CD also praised Audi for demonstrating that effective leadership in a security institution involves not only operational authority but also the willingness to demand accountability when circumstances require it.
It maintained that where wrongdoing was established, appropriate sanctions should follow in accordance with the law, while findings that did not substantiate allegations should equally be respected.
The Campaign for Democracy said it would continue to support security institutions that combine effective law enforcement with professionalism, discipline, respect for human rights and accountability.