Miners' death: South-South youths reject calls to remove NSCDC CG

The South-South Youths Initiative (SSYI) has condemned calls for the removal of the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) , Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, following the death of 37 suspected miners in Niger State. The youths in a statement signed by their their National President, Imeabe Saviour Oscar, described the calls as “misplaced, unjust and politically motivated.” Oscar said it was wrong to hold the NSCDC boss responsible for an alleged operational breach committed by a state commandant. According to the group, the NSCDC operates a defined administrative structure in which state commandants report directly to zonal commanders, who are assistant commandant-generals. He said the various state commands also have legal, intelligence, administrative and operational departments responsible for their day-to-day activities. Oscar further argued that Audi had previously issued circulars warning personnel against detaining suspects beyond the constitutionally prescribed period.