The National Association of Nigerian Youth in Development (NANYD) has publicly endorsed the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State. The youth group urged Nigerians to support the agency rather than exploit the tragedy for political gain.
NANYD Praises Audi's Response as Swift and Decisive
In a statement released on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, and made available to Legit.ng, NANYD's National President, Alhaji Bukura Ahmed PhD, described the NSCDC leadership's response to the incident as "swift and decisive." The association highlighted specific actions taken by Audi as evidence of his commitment to accountability.
Chief among these actions was Audi's decision to parade the suspended Niger State Commandant, Subaru Siyaka Aniviye, and 23 other implicated officers at the Corps' National Headquarters in Abuja. The number of personnel in protective custody rose from 21 to 24 after three additional officers were identified. "In fact, parading those involved is a sign that he is ready to get to the root of the matter," Ahmed said in the statement.
Unprecedented Accountability and Half-Mast Flags
The association also praised the directive ordering NSCDC flags to fly at half-mast across all formations for three days from Sunday, September 20, 2026, calling it "unprecedented accountability" that reflects genuine institutional remorse. NANYD dismissed calls for the Commandant-General's removal as politically motivated, warning that such campaigns risk undermining the country's security architecture.
The youth group called out opposition parties and social media commentators for allegedly using the deaths of the 37 miners to score political points against the Corps. NANYD's statement also highlighted Audi's broader record since taking charge of the NSCDC in 2021, a tenure extended for a second five-year term by President Bola Tinubu in February 2026.
Independent Panel Investigates Miners' Deaths
Following a directive from President Tinubu, Minister of Interior Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo set up a 10-member independent committee to lead the investigation. The panel is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, and includes a professor of histopathology and representatives of both the Minna Emirate Council and the Miners Association of Nigeria.
The committee's mandate covers establishing the identities of the deceased, determining the cause and circumstances of their deaths, and assigning responsibility or negligence where applicable. The NSCDC has said that claims linking the deaths to a specific disease remain unconfirmed until medical and laboratory results are finalised. The remains of the deceased are currently at General Hospital, Minna, for autopsy and forensic examination.
Audi's Record and NSCDC Achievements
Under Audi's leadership, the Corps created specialised units including the Mining Marshals, Special Intelligence Squad, and Female Special Force, while establishing a Command and Staff College in Jos and an Arms Squad Training College in Udege. Over five years, the Corps arrested more than 2,677 suspects for vandalism, illegal mining and economic sabotage, shut down over 400 illegal refineries, and generated more than N3.4 billion through the regulation of Private Guard Companies.
The association said it is monitoring the investigation closely and will issue further comments as the independent panel makes progress.
