The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken disciplinary action against its personnel in connection with the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody in Niger State. On September 20, 2026, the NSCDC paraded 24 officers, including the suspended Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, at its headquarters in Abuja. The officers are facing investigation and possible prosecution over their alleged roles in the tragedy.
According to the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, ACC Babawale Afolabi, the Commandant-General of NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has assured that due process, transparency, and accountability will be strictly followed in the investigation. Audi also stated that every personnel found culpable will face the full weight of internal disciplinary measures and the law. The investigation is being conducted by the Commandant General's Special Investigation Squad (SIS) in conjunction with other agencies.
The suspended officers include Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, Deputy Commandants, Assistant Commandants, and other ranks. They are accused of gross misconduct, including lack of supervision, and are currently undergoing rigorous interrogation and administrative disciplinary action at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja. The officers will also be made available for investigation by the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other panels.
In response to the incident, Professor Audi has ordered that the NSCDC flag be flown at half-mast across all formations for three days, starting from September 20, 2026. The NSCDC will continue to keep the public informed about the outcome of the investigation. The incident has raised concerns about the handling of suspects in custody and the need for accountability within the security agencies.
The NSCDC has suspended three more personnel in connection with the incident, in addition to the 24 officers already in custody. The corps is taking steps to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that such incidents do not recur in the future. The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available.
Human rights organizations and concerned citizens have been calling for accountability and transparency in the handling of the incident. The NSCDC's swift action in suspending and investigating its personnel is seen as a step in the right direction. The incident highlights the need for security agencies to adhere to human rights standards and protocols when handling suspects in custody.
The NSCDC has pledged to continue to work with relevant agencies to ensure that justice is served in the case of the 37 suspected illegal miners who died in custody. The corps will also take steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The investigation is expected to be concluded soon, and those found responsible will be brought to justice.
Key points
- The NSCDC has suspended and paraded 24 officers, including the Niger State Commandant, over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody.
- The investigation is being conducted by the Commandant General's Special Investigation Squad (SIS) in conjunction with other agencies.
- The NSCDC will continue to keep the public informed about the outcome of the investigation.
