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 Audi, following the death of 37 suspected miners in Niger.

The youths in a statement signed by their National President, Imeabe Oscar on Tuesday, 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.