The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has suspended three more officers and ordered three days of half-mast to mourn miners who died in its custody. NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi announced this on Sunday. NSCDC commandant-general Ahmed Audi gave the directive. 

Twenty-one NSCDC officers were initially suspended and summoned to the NSCDC Headquarters, Abuja, following the death of no fewer than 30 illegal mining suspects.

Mr Audi said this was meant to signal collective mourning and an unwavering resolve to purge the system of bad eggs. He added that all arrested operatives would be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigation panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Interior minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo had set up a 10-member independent investigative committee to examine the situation surrounding the demise of the victims.

According to Mr Audi, the corps was built on 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 keep the public abreast of the outcome of the investigation, adding, “The leadership of the NSCDC will continue to show unwavering commitment to transparency, human rights protection and professional ethics.”

(NAN)