The National Association of Nigerian Youth in Development, NANYD, has commended the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Audi, for his handling of the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.

The association also urged Nigerians to support the ongoing investigation into the incident, saying the NSCDC leadership had demonstrated commitment to accountability and justice.

In a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Bukura Ahmed, NANYD described the response of the NSCDC leadership to the incident as “swift and decisive.”

The association particularly commended Audi for parading suspects implicated in the incident at the Corps’ national headquarters in Abuja.

The number of NSCDC personnel placed in protective custody increased from 21 to 24 following the identification of three additional officers.

“In fact, parading those involved is a sign that he is ready to get to the root of the matter,” Ahmed said, while dismissing calls for the removal of the Commandant-General as politically motivated.

NANYD also praised the directive for NSCDC flags to be flown at half-mast across all formations for three days from Sunday, September 20, 2026.

The association described the measure as evidence of institutional remorse and accountability.

“This act shows seriousness and genuine intention. It shows a man who is accountable and ready to cooperate to ensure justice is done,” it said.

The commendation came against the backdrop of the Federal Government’s investigation into the deaths.

Following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive investigation, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, constituted a 10-member committee chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure.

The committee includes a professor of histopathology, representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and the Miners Association of Nigeria.

It is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, determine the cause and circumstances of their deaths and establish responsibility, complicity or negligence.

The NSCDC has said claims attributing the deaths to a particular disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for autopsy and forensic examination.

NANYD also highlighted what it described as reforms carried out by Audi since his appointment as NSCDC Commandant-General in 2021.

It noted that President Tinubu renewed Audi’s tenure for another five years in February 2026.

According to the association, the NSCDC under Audi established specialised units, including the Mining Marshals, Special Intelligence Squad, Female Special Force and Crack Squad, while also establishing the Command and Staff College in Jos and the Arms Squad Training College in Udege.

NANYD further cited the deployment of surveillance and operational equipment, including drones, GPS trackers, night-vision goggles and body cameras, across the country.

It said the Corps had also intensified operations against vandalism, illegal mining and economic sabotage, while addressing outstanding salary arrears and promotion issues affecting personnel.

The youth group, however, urged political parties and social media commentators not to exploit the tragedy for political purposes.

It called on Nigerians to allow the independent investigation to run its course and urged the public to support efforts to establish the facts surrounding the deaths.

NANYD said it would continue to monitor the investigation and make further comments as the Federal Government-appointed panel progresses with its work.