NSCDC PLACES THREE ADDITIONAL OFFICERS IN CUSTODY OVER NIGER DEATHS

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has detained three additional personnel in connection with the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the Corps’ custody in Niger State. The latest arrests bring the number of NSCDC personnel held over the incident to 24. The Corps disclosed the development on Sunday, saying the additional officers had been identified as being linked to the incident and were subsequently suspended pending further investigation.

The NSCDC had initially announced the detention of 21 personnel after the deaths, which occurred on September 17, 2026, at a facility in Minna. The suspected illegal miners had reportedly been arrested during operations against illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16. The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation, with authorities yet to establish the definitive cause of the deaths.

NSCDC spokesman, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, said all the affected personnel from the Niger State Command had been transferred to the Corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja. He said they were undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary proceedings and would be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee as well as other investigative panels. According to him, the officers could face further action, including possible prosecution, depending on the outcome of the investigations.

The development came shortly after the Federal Government constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation. The committee, chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, examine the circumstances surrounding their arrests and detention, determine the cause of death and identify any responsibility, negligence or misconduct. It has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi said the Corps would uphold due process, transparency and accountability throughout the investigation, adding that any personnel found culpable would face disciplinary measures and the full weight of the law. The Corps has also ordered its flag to be flown at half-mast across all its formations for three days from Sunday as a mark of mourning. The investigation is expected to determine what led to the deaths and whether any officers or other parties should be held responsible.