By David Owei

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.

He said: “It is on record that the Commandant General has issued several circulars warning all formations against detaining suspects beyond 24 hours, in line with the Constitution.

“Specifically, circulars to this effect were issued in 2022 and 2024 and widely circulated to all State Commands.”

Oscar described as “wrong, unjust and mischievous” attempts to demand Audi’s removal over an alleged offence committed by a state commandant.

“It is therefore wrong, unjust and mischievous for individuals or groups to call for the head of the Commandant General for an offence allegedly committed by a State Commandant”, he said.

The South-South youths also linked the calls for Audi’s removal to the corps’ operations against illegal mining, alleging that “some powerful illegal miners and their collaborators” were behind the campaign.

The group said that Audi had previously contributed to efforts that helped increase crude oil production in the Niger Delta from about 800,000 barrels per day to approximately 1.6 million barrels per day.

Oscar also said that the Federal Government generated about N40bn from mining activities in 2025, attributing the development largely to operational reforms and measures introduced under Audi.

“The Commandant-General should be allowed to repeat what he did in the Niger Delta in the mining sector,” he said.

It called on the Presidency, the Minister of Interior and Nigerians to disregard what it described as “sponsored calls” for Audi’s removal and instead support him in his efforts to tackle illegal mining.

“Prof. Audi should be supported and encouraged to do more for the nation,” the statement added.

ByCorrespondent

The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has cautioned the Federal Government against arresting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over renewed allegations of financial misconduct.

The warning followed a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, seeking a fresh probe into allegations against Atiku dating back to his tenure as Vice President, and concerns raised by former Senator Dino Melaye over moves to invite or arrest him.

In a statement on Tuesday, MURIC Founder and Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, said any move against Atiku, who is the African Democratic Congress, ADC, presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, at this time would lack tact and send the wrong signal.

“We warn that such an attempt at this point in time will send the wrong signal to Nigerians. With 2027 general elections at the doorsteps, we will like to caution the Federal Government against such a move. It lacks tact. It is also long in impunity, short in emotional intelligence,” he said.

The group urged the Federal Government to tread cautiously given the proximity of the 2027 elections.

MURIC further warned against government body language capable of portraying Nigeria negatively before the international community.

“At all cost, FG must avoid exhibiting a body language that is likely to portray Nigeria as a banana republic. We lost the ethical ground. What is left for us are our democratic values and norms. Our corporate image in the global community is sinking fast,” the statement said.

The group said handling of the matter must reflect due process and avoid actions that could erode public confidence in democratic institutions.

By Uthman Baba Naseer,Minna

Following the Thursday,death of 37 suspected illegal miners at the detention facility of the Niger State Command, of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in Minna,a newly deployed Commandant of the Corps has assumed duty in Minna. He is Commandant Abdul Hamid Salisu Kabara.

The Commandant has served the Command as the Deputy Commandant in-charge of administration in Niger State Command, until his elevation to the rank of the Commandant of the Corps before he was redeployed to the Corps headquarters in Abuja.

The deployment of the new Commandant was contained in a press statement signed by the Command Public Relation Officer (DCPRO) Abubakar Mohammed Rabiu Muti DSC

He succeeded Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye who was placed on suspension along with twenty one other officers of the Command as a result of the death of the 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Command.

Commandant Suberu Aniviye’s suspension was announced by the Minister of Interior Hon. Oubunmi Tunji-Ojo in a press statement.

The assumption of office of Salisu Kabara comes at a particularly trying moment for the Command, as result of the sad and unfortunate deaths of some persons arrested in connection with suspected illegal mining activities in the State.

Commandant Salisu Kabara expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and extended his heartfelt sympathy to the families of the deceased and everyone affected by the unfortunate incident.

He stressed that, while the Corps remains committed to its statutory responsibilities of arrest, investigation, enforcement and the fight against illegal mining, the sanctity of human life must remain paramount.

“At a moment like this, beyond arrests, investigations, enforcement and the fight against illegal mining, we must remember one fundamental truth: every human life matters

“The loss of any human life is painful, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families who are mourning at this difficult time” he lamented.

Noting that the responsibility of protecting society and enforcing the law must go hand in hand with the responsibility to uphold the dignity, safety and welfare of persons in custody.

“At this painful moment, the Commandant prays that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the deceased, grants them eternal rest and gives their families, relatives and loved ones the strength, patience and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss” he prayed.