RismadarVoice Reporters
September 21, 2026
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has named 24 personnel being detained and investigated over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in its custody in Niger State, as the Corps ordered its flags to fly at half-mast nationwide for three days.
Those being held include the suspended Niger State Commandant, Commandant Subaru Siyaka Aniviye, and 23 other personnel who have been moved to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja for interrogation and administrative disciplinary proceedings.
The Corps said the number of personnel in custody increased from an earlier figure of 21 after three additional officers were identified and suspended.
NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi said the personnel had been in protective custody at the National Headquarters since September 17 following an operation involving the Commandant General’s Special Investigation Squad.
According to the Corps, the affected personnel will also be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other panels investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi said due process, transparency and accountability would be observed throughout the investigation, adding that any personnel found culpable would face disciplinary measures and applicable legal processes.
FLAGS ORDERED TO FLY AT HALF-MAST
Audi also ordered the NSCDC flag to be flown at half-mast across the Corps’ commands and formations for three days beginning Sunday, September 20, as the organisation mourns the deaths.
“As a Corps built on integrity, professionalism, discipline, and absolute respect for the rule of law, we do not condone unprofessional conduct, high-handedness, or any action that undermines the fundamental rights of citizens or the sacred trust reposed in us,” Afolabi said.
The Corps pledged to make the outcome of its investigation public and said its leadership remained committed to transparency, protection of human rights and professional conduct.
SUSPENDED COMMANDANT, SENIOR OFFICERS AMONG 24 HELD
The personnel named by the NSCDC include suspended Niger State Commandant Subaru Siyaka Aniviye; DCC Ajayi Philips, Head of Intelligence and Investigation; DCC John Agrahau Chagwa, Head of Operations; DCC Obafemi Elvis; ACC Stephen Tsado, Officer-in-Charge of Legal; CSC Oluwadare Sunday; CSC Annas Shittu Lamino; and SC Usman Isah Ndamaka.
Others are DSC Aminu Sule Garba, DSC Musa Marafa, DSC Isah Sulaiman, ASCI Hassan Muhammad, ASCI Alhassan Muhammad, Aliyu Sallah, IC Abdullahi Sale, IC Mohammed N. Sonfada, Mohammed Jiya, Sale Adamu, Haruna Muhammed, CCA Baba Muhamma, CAI Isah Sanusi, CAI Liman Abubakar, CAI Bala Usman and CAI Ahmed Wushishi.
The Corps specifically listed “lack of supervision” in relation to DCC Ajayi Philips and DCC John Agrahau Chagwa, while Aliyu Sallah was identified as having been assigned to guard duty.
The detention of the personnel does not establish criminal responsibility. Investigations are continuing to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and whether any individual should face prosecution.
The 37 suspected illegal miners died after being detained following anti-illegal mining operations in Niger State. The precise cause of their deaths has not yet been conclusively established, with investigations ordered by the Federal Government still ongoing.
