By Becky Momodu
The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, has ordered the Corps’ flag to be flown at half-mast across all its formations for three days following the death of 33 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
The directive, which commenced on Sunday, September 20, 2026, is intended to mark the Corps’ mourning over the incident and demonstrate its institutional remorse.
The Corps Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.
According to Afolabi, the half-mast directive is also a signal of the NSCDC’s resolve to address misconduct and strengthen accountability within its ranks.
He quoted the Commandant General as saying that the Corps was built on integrity, professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law.
Audi stressed that the NSCDC would not condone unprofessional conduct, high-handedness or any action capable of undermining the fundamental rights of citizens.
The Commandant General also assured Nigerians that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be subjected to due process, transparency and accountability.
The Corps said 24 personnel linked to the incident had been taken into protective custody and were undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary action.
It added that the affected personnel would be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigation panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The NSCDC leadership expressed appreciation to Nigerians for their patience and understanding, promising to keep the public informed on the outcome of the ongoing investigations.
