NSCDC Detains Three More Personnel Over Deaths of 37 Miners

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has detained three additional personnel over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in its custody in Niger State, bringing the number of officers held in connection with the incident to 24.

The NSCDC spokesman, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.

The Corps had initially announced the detention of 21 personnel following the deaths of the miners, who reportedly died while in NSCDC custody in Niger State.

Afolabi said the three newly identified personnel had also been suspended and placed in custody, bringing the total number of affected personnel to 24.

He said all the affected officers and men of the Niger State Command had been transferred to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, where they were undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary proceedings.

According to him, the personnel would also be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other panels investigating the incident.

“As against the initial figure of 21 personnel, three more personnel identified have also been placed on suspension, thereby bringing the total to 24 personnel,” Afolabi said.

The development came a day after the Federal Government constituted a 10-member
independent committee to investigate the deaths.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the committee on Saturday following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident.

The deaths occurred on September 17, 2026, after the suspected illegal miners were arrested during operations in Niger State.

Tunji-Ojo also ordered the suspension of all officers allegedly involved in the incident pending the outcome of the investigation.

The NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, said the Corps would ensure due process and accountability throughout the investigation.

Audi said any personnel found culpable would face disciplinary action and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.

The Commandant General also directed that the NSCDC flag be flown at half-mast across all formations for three days from Sunday in honour of the deceased.

Among the personnel being held are the suspended Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye; the Head of Intelligence and Investigation, Ajayi Philips; the Head of Operations, John Agrahau Chagwa; Obafemi Elvis; the Officer-in-Charge of Legal, Stephen Tsado; and other personnel.
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has called for the speedy investigation and prosecution of anyone found responsible for the deaths.

Falana urged the Attorney-General of Niger State, Nasiru Mu’azu, to direct the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and prosecute any suspects indicted by the investigation.

Several civil society organisations have also called for a transparent investigation, with the Coalition of Civil Societies for Transparency and Accountability urging the government to ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.

The League of Northern Democrats similarly demanded an independent investigation, saying the inquiry should establish what happened from the victims’ arrest through their detention and eventual deaths.

The group called for the preservation of relevant evidence, including arrest and detention records, medical records, CCTV footage where available, duty rosters and official communications.

The North-Central Indigenous Youth Council also condemned the deaths and called for an independent forensic autopsy and prosecution of officers found culpable.

Meanwhile, the National Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Cooperative Society expressed concern over the deaths and called for measures to improve the security and welfare of miners across the country.

The Federal Government’s 10-member independent committee is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and establish whether individuals or institutions bear responsibility for the incident.

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