The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and due process as an independent panel begins investigation into the reported deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners in the custody of its Niger State Command in Minna.
The Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, joined the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and other senior officials of the ministry and its agencies at the inauguration of the 10-member investigative panel.
The panel is chaired by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), and comprises professionals with diverse expertise and proven integrity.
According to the NSCDC, the committee is mandated to independently establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and make appropriate recommendations based on its findings.
While inaugurating the panel, the Minister of Interior charged members to carry out the assignment with professionalism, impartiality and integrity.
Tunji-Ojo stressed the need for the panel to establish the facts surrounding the incident and provide credible answers to the bereaved families and the Nigerian public.
Responding on behalf of the panel members, Kure expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased and pledged that the committee would approach the assignment with diligence, objectivity and a strong sense of responsibility to the nation.
The NSCDC said it welcomed the independent investigation and would provide the panel with access to relevant records, information and personnel required to facilitate its work.
The Corps expressed confidence that a thorough and credible investigation would clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and guide any necessary action.
The NSCDC also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, acknowledging the pain and loss arising from the incident.
It reiterated that respect for human dignity, accountability and strict adherence to the law remained central to its mandate and custodial responsibilities.
The statement was signed by Babawale Afolabi, Assistant Commandant of Corps and National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC.