RismadarVoice Reporters
September 21, 2026
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has detained 24 personnel in connection with the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
Among those detained is the suspended Niger State Commandant, Subaru Siyaka Aniviye, alongside 23 other officers and personnel.
The NSCDC paraded the personnel at its headquarters in Abuja on Sunday as part of ongoing investigations into the deaths.
The Corps said the number of personnel placed in custody had risen from the initially announced 21 to 24 after three additional officers were identified in connection with the incident.
The NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, an Assistant Commandant, said the affected personnel had been in protective custody at the Corps headquarters since 17 September.
According to him, they are being interrogated and subjected to administrative disciplinary procedures while the Corps awaits further investigation by the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other panels.
He said the investigation would determine whether any of the personnel should face prosecution.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, said the Corps would ensure due process and accountability throughout the investigation.
He said personnel found culpable would face disciplinary action and any applicable sanctions under the law.
As part of its response to the incident, Mr Audi ordered the NSCDC flag to be flown at half-mast across the Corps’ commands and formations for three days from Sunday.
Mr Afolabi said the decision was intended to reflect the Corps’ mourning and its condemnation of any misconduct associated with the incident.
He said the NSCDC did not condone unprofessional conduct, excessive use of authority or actions capable of violating citizens’ rights.
The spokesperson said the Corps would continue to provide updates on the investigation and reiterated its commitment to professional standards, human rights and accountability.
The personnel listed by the NSCDC include Mr Aniviye, the suspended Niger State Commandant; Ajayi Philips, Head of Intelligence and Investigation; John Agrahau Chagwa, Head of Operations; and Obafemi Elvis.
Others are Stephen Tsado, Officer in Charge of Legal; Oluwadare Sunday; Annas Shittu Lamino; Usman Isah Ndamaka; Aminu Sule Garba; Musa Marafa; Isah Sulaiman; Hassan Muhammad; and Alhassan Muhammad.
Also listed are Aliyu Sallah, Abdullahi Sale, Mohammed N. Sonfada, Mohammed Jiya, Sale Adamu, Haruna Muhammed, Baba Muhamma, Isah Sanusi, Liman Abubakar, Bala Usman and Ahmed Wushishi.
The Corps said the inclusion of Messrs Philips and Chagwa was linked to alleged lack of supervision in their respective departments.
The 37 suspected illegal miners died days after they were arrested during anti-illegal mining operations conducted by NSCDC personnel in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on 15 and 16 September.
The Corps initially said the deaths were linked to a suspected disease outbreak, but added that medical examinations would be required to establish the actual cause of death.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths are now subject to further investigation by the relevant authorities.
