Says accountability must be evidence-based
Warns against scapegoating national leadership over deaths of 33 miners
The Amalgamated Civil Society Groups of Nigeria (ACSGN) has expressed confidence in the leadership of the Commandant-General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, while calling on the Federal Government to ensure that the recommendations of the investigative panel into the deaths of 33 detained miners in Niger State are implemented in accordance with due process.
The group said the panel’s findings and recommendations must be examined objectively to establish individual and institutional responsibility for the deaths, which reportedly occurred on September 16 and 17, 2026, in Minna, Niger State.
In a press statement jointly signed by its National Convener, Comrade Wale Adegoke, and Secretary, Comrade Musa Abdullahi, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, ACSGN acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and the need for justice for the deceased miners and support for survivors. It, however, cautioned against interpretations of the panel’s report that could unfairly implicate the national leadership of the Corps without sufficient evidence.
According to reports on the panel’s findings, the deaths were attributed to factors including overcrowding, extreme heat, dehydration and inadequate detention conditions. The panel reportedly recommended ₦1.4 billion in compensation for the families of the 33 deceased miners and 44 survivors, as well as the summary dismissal of the former Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and other officers found to have been directly involved in the incident.
The group said accountability remained essential but stressed that disciplinary measures must be guided by established administrative procedures, applicable laws and the specific responsibilities of the officers concerned.
ACSGN argued that the operational responsibilities of a state commandant should be distinguished from the strategic and supervisory functions of the Commandant-General, adding that the circumstances surrounding the incident must be thoroughly examined to determine who authorised the operation, exercised direct control and was responsible for any procedural violations.
It maintained that the national leadership should not automatically be held personally responsible for every operational failure within a state command merely because the Commandant-General heads the organisation.
Of particular importance to the group was the reported finding that the operation leading to the arrest and detention of the miners was conducted without an operational order or approval from the NSCDC national headquarters.
ACSGN said the finding raised questions about the chain of command and the extent to which operational decisions were independently taken at the state level.
It called for the precise findings of the panel to be distinguished from subsequent interpretations circulating in the public domain, insisting that conclusions about responsibility must be based on evidence rather than speculation.
The group also noted reports that the former Niger State Commandant had apologised over the incident and acknowledged shortcomings under his watch. It said the reported admission should be considered alongside the full findings of the investigation in determining individual responsibility.
On the leadership of the Corps, ACSGN said Professor Audi had contributed to efforts to reposition the NSCDC through initiatives aimed at improving professionalism, personnel development, operational capacity, discipline and institutional infrastructure.
It urged stakeholders to assess the national management of the Corps objectively, arguing that institutional achievements should be recognised even as failures are investigated and necessary corrective measures taken.
The group, however, stressed that its recognition of the Commandant-General’s leadership did not diminish the gravity of the deaths in Niger State or remove the need for accountability where wrongdoing was established.
It warned against attempts to use the incident to launch what it described as an unjustified campaign against the national leadership, while equally rejecting efforts to shield officers found to have acted negligently, unlawfully or in violation of established procedures.
“The appropriate response is neither indiscriminate condemnation nor unconditional exoneration. It is a fair, evidence-based assessment of the conduct of every officer and institution whose actions or omissions may have contributed to the tragedy,” the group stated.
ACSGN further said institutional reforms recommended by the panel should be assessed in the context of the actual findings, evidence presented and specific shortcomings identified during the investigation.
It maintained that reforms should address demonstrable deficiencies and have clearly defined objectives, rather than automatically being interpreted as an indictment of the national leadership.
The group also observed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had reportedly reappointed Audi for another four-year term, urging that his continued leadership be assessed against institutional performance, operational effectiveness and the Corps’ ability to fulfil its statutory responsibilities.
Calling on the Minister of Interior, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development and the NSCDC leadership to ensure a transparent and lawful implementation of the panel’s recommendations, ACSGN urged the relevant authorities to make the findings available to the public, establish individual and institutional responsibility, and ensure that any disciplinary measures were proportionate to the evidence.
It also called for the transparent payment of recommended compensation to the families of the deceased and survivors, improved detention conditions, stricter adherence to operational procedures and enhanced personnel training to prevent a recurrence.
The group said the integrity of the NSCDC must be protected through professionalism, transparency and accountability, rather than through selective interpretations of the panel’s findings or attempts to settle personal scores.
In a vote of confidence in the national management of the Corps, ACSGN reaffirmed its support for Audi, citing its assessment of the leadership’s institutional development efforts and the need for a fair process that distinguishes direct operational responsibility from wider institutional oversight.
It stressed that the position did not amount to a rejection of accountability or a dismissal of the suffering of the victims and their families.
The group urged the Federal Government and the NSCDC to use the incident as an opportunity to strengthen operational safeguards, improve the protection of detainees and reinforce public confidence in the Corps.
The NSCDC is responsible for protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, supporting internal security and contributing to the maintenance of public order.
