The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended three additional personnel and directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast for three days in mourning for alleged illegal miners who died while in its custody in Niger State.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this on Sunday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 21 NSCDC officers and men were initially suspended and summoned to the NSCDC Headquarters in Abuja following the deaths of no fewer than 30 illegal mining suspects.
Afolabi said NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Ahmed Audi, issued the directive as a solemn expression of institutional remorse, grief and absolute disapproval of the incident.
Audi said the measure was intended to demonstrate collective mourning and an unwavering resolve to purge the system of bad eggs.
He added that all the suspended personnel would be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.
NAN also reports that the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had established a 10-member independent investigative committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the victims.
According to the CG, the corps was established on the principles of integrity, professionalism, discipline and absolute 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.
He pledged on behalf of the service to continue keeping the public informed about the outcome of the investigation.
“The leadership of the NSCDC will continue to show unwavering commitment to transparency, human rights protection and professional ethics,” he assured.
Audi also thanked Nigerians for their patience and understanding as the internal re-evaluation continues. (NAN)