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The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, alongside his management team and other selected officers, on Thursday, the 24th of September, visited Minna, Niger State, to observe the 7-day Fidau prayer for the deceased miners who died in the Corps’ custody.

During the visit, the CG also met with His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Umar Farouk Bahago, at his Minna Palace, the parents of the deceased and the family of the survivors. The visit was aimed at commiserating directly with the affected families during this period of grief. During the interaction, the CG strongly condoled with the families and gave a firm assurance that the Corps will not shield anyone found culpable, emphasising that justice and transparency will take precedence.

Speaking during the visit at the Emir’s palace, the CG reiterated his unwavering stance on ensuring that justice is served in the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 37 suspected illegal miners. He stated that the Corps would not shield any personnel found culpable, emphasising that transparency and accountability would guide the entire process. “I want to assure you of my unwavering support for the investigative panel in unravelling the truth. I am here commiserating with you on behalf of the NSCDC, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the Minister for Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The incident is quite unfortunate but I assure you that justice must prevail. Anybody found wanting in the course of the findings will be prosecuted in line with the laws of the land. We won’t protect anybody and everyone found culpable will face the music.”

The CG, who joined the bereaved families and community members in prayers for the repose of the souls of the deceased, described the incident as a painful loss and assured the families that the Corps would stand by them throughout the period of mourning. He also condoled with the Emir of Minna, acknowledging the traditional ruler’s fatherly role in the community and seeking his continued support and prayers.

Addressing the broader steps being taken to uncover the truth, the CG noted that the Federal Government, under the directive of the Presidency, has constituted a high-powered investigative committee to probe the incident. He assured the public that the NSCDC is fully cooperating with the panel, noting that relevant personnel have already been placed in protective custody to make them fully available for a transparent investigation process.

Highlighting the cultural and spiritual significance of the third and seventh-day prayers for the departed, the CG explained that his visit was also to join the Muslim faithful in offering prayers for the repose of the soul of the deceased and strength for the bereaved families.

Responding on behalf of the traditional institution and the families, His Royal Highness expressed appreciation to the Commandant General for the swift administrative actions taken, for cooperating with the Presidential committee, and for deeming it fit to personally visit and identify with the community in their moment of grief.

As a mark of mourning and accountability, the NSCDC flag has been ordered to fly at half-mast across all formations for three days. The Corps awaits autopsy results to determine the exact cause of death.