The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended three additional personnel over the deaths of suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the corps in Niger State.
The NSCDC has also directed that its flags be flown at half-mast for three days as a mark of respect for the deceased and in response to the incident.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this on Sunday in Abuja.
The latest suspension brings to 24 the number of NSCDC personnel suspended in connection with the deaths. Earlier, 21 officers and men had been suspended and summoned to the corps’ headquarters in Abuja following the deaths of at least 30 suspected illegal miners.
Afolabi said the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, approved the three-day half-mast directive as a demonstration of the organisation’s grief, institutional remorse and condemnation of the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
According to him, the decision was also intended to reflect the corps’ determination to identify and remove personnel whose actions may have violated its professional standards.
Audi directed that all personnel arrested or suspended in connection with the incident be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels for further questioning and possible prosecution.
The development follows the establishment of a 10-member independent investigative committee by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The NSCDC Commandant General said the corps was founded on the principles of integrity, professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law.
He stressed that the organisation would not tolerate unprofessional behaviour, abuse of authority or any conduct capable of violating citizens’ fundamental rights.
“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,” Audi said.
He assured Nigerians that the NSCDC would continue to provide updates on the outcome of the investigations and remain committed to transparency and accountability.
“The leadership of the NSCDC will continue to show unwavering commitment to transparency, human rights protection and professional ethics,” he added.
Audi also appealed for patience and understanding as the corps carries out an internal review of the incident.
The investigations are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and establish whether any personnel committed offences that could warrant further disciplinary or legal action.
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