Youth Group Defends NSCDC Leadership, Urges Support for Ongoing Investigation, Cautions Against Exploiting Miners’ Death for Political Gains

The National Association of Nigerian Youth in Development (NANYD) has issued a strong caution to Nigerian opposition political parties, urging them to refrain from exploiting the tragic deaths of 37 miners in Minna, Niger State, for cheap political points.

In a press statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Bukura Ahmed, Ph.D., the association called on political parties to stop using the pain of the deceased miners’ families as a political tool and instead commend the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the leadership of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for its proactive response since the incident came to light.

“We are very disappointed that opposition political parties are using the demise of the youth to score political points and to campaign, instead of commending the administration for its commitment to unravelling the truth behind the shocking demise,” the statement read. “This should not be a political play. Opposition parties can do better than what they are currently doing.”

The association expressed concern that instead of offering condolences and supporting the grieving families, some political actors have chosen to politicise a tragedy that demands unity and sobriety.

Ahmed further cautioned so-called activists and social media commentators against making divisive statements capable of causing unrest in the country.

“We have also witnessed a trend of some so-called analysts and social media influencers taking to social media to make unsubstantiated claims, preempting the outcome of the investigation. This is a growing act that we must all refrain from,” he said.

“The government has set up a committee to investigate and get to the root of the matter. What we should do is support the government and all relevant security agencies to ensure justice is done and the truth comes to light—not making statements that can cause unrest at this time.”

The body also pushed back against calls for the resignation or sack of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, describing such demands as politically motivated propaganda aimed at destabilising the nation’s security architecture.

“For those calling for the sack of CG Audi, they are oblivious of the truth and how the structure of command works. The CG has done nothing wrong,” Ahmed stated. “In fact, parading those involved is a sign that he is ready to get to the root of the matter.”

The association highlighted what it described as unprecedented accountability measures taken by the Commandant General, including the directive that all NSCDC formations nationwide lower their flags at half-mast to mourn the deceased.

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

NANYD urged all well-meaning Nigerians to support the government and the leadership of the NSCDC in its quest to unravel the truth, rather than falling into the trap of desperate politicians and social media activists seeking to exploit the tragedy for political or personal gain.

The association stated that it is closely monitoring the investigation process and will comment further as the panel constituted by the Federal Government makes progress.

As previously reported, the deceased miners were arrested during coordinated enforcement operations conducted by the NSCDC Niger State Command on September 15 and 16, 2026, along the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis. Following the deaths, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered a full-scale, transparent investigation.

In compliance, the Commandant General directed the Niger State Commandant and key officers to step aside and report to the National Headquarters, Abuja, to face a constituted panel of inquiry.

A new Commandant has since assumed command of the Niger State Command. The remains of the deceased have been deposited at General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to determine the actual cause of death.

The NSCDC has refrained from speculation, stating that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.

The intervention by NANYD adds a new dimension to the national conversation, one that cautions against politicisation while defending the institutional response.

However, it also raises important questions about the balance between supporting due process and ensuring that accountability is not diluted by calls for patience.

As the investigation continues, the coming days will reveal whether the panel’s findings will satisfy a public hungry for answers and whether the calls for restraint will be heeded by all sides of the political divide.