By Sofiat Adenekan-Abdul
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners in its custody in Niger State.
The directive followed an order by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for a transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
The NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, has directed the Niger State Commandant to step aside and appear before the panel of inquiry in Abuja.
Other senior officers involved in operations in the state have also been summoned.
Audi has meanwhile ordered a new commandant to take over the Niger State Command with immediate effect.
In a statement by the NSCDC spokesman, Babawale Afolabi, the corps says any personnel found to have violated the law or professional standards would face appropriate administrative, disciplinary or criminal sanctions.
