The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken into custody 24 personnel in connection with the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger state. The Corps' Public Relations Officer, Mr Babawale Afolabi, confirmed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja. According to him, the personnel, who are from the Niger State Command, have been undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary procedures at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja since September 17.
The NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has assured that the investigation will be conducted with due process, transparency, and accountability. He stressed that personnel found culpable will face the full weight of internal disciplinary measures and the law. The Corps has also ordered its flag to be flown at half-mast across all its formations for three days, beginning Sunday, September 20, 2026, as a mark of mourning over the incident.
The 24 personnel being held include high-ranking officers such as Commandant Subaru Siyaka Aniviye, who has been suspended as Niger State Commandant, and other senior officers like DCC Ajayi Philips and DCC John Agrahau Chagwa. The list also includes junior officers and men, such as SC Usman Isah Ndamaka and CAI Isah Sanusi. According to Afolabi, the action is part of the Corps' response to the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the state and its determination to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The NSCDC spokesman quoted the Commandant General as saying that the Corps, built on integrity, professionalism, discipline, and absolute respect for the rule of law, would not condone unprofessional conduct, high-handedness, or actions capable of undermining the fundamental rights of citizens. Audi also directed that the NSCDC flag be flown at half-mast across all formations for three days as a demonstration of the Corps' grief and institutional remorse.
The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with the 24 personnel being made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigation panels for further investigation and possible prosecution. The NSCDC has appealed to Nigerians for patience and understanding as the investigation and internal re-evaluation continue. The Corps has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, protection of human rights, and adherence to professional ethics.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, with many Nigerians calling for accountability and justice for the victims. The NSCDC has promised to keep Nigerians informed on the outcome of the investigation. The Corps' leadership has also expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and pledged to take measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Key among the issues being investigated are the circumstances leading to the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners and the roles played by the detained NSCDC personnel. The NSCDC's actions are seen as a demonstration of its commitment to accountability and transparency within its ranks.
Key points
- The NSCDC has arrested and detained 24 personnel over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger state.
- The investigation will be conducted with due process, transparency, and accountability.
- The Corps has ordered its flag to be flown at half-mast across all its formations for three days as a mark of mourning over the incident.
