The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested and detained three more personnel in connection with the de@ths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State, bringing the number of officers in custody to 24. JoinDiaspora Networks
NSCDC Spokesman Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi announced the additional arrests in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.
The NSCDC had initially announced the detention of 21 personnel following the deaths of the miners, who died while in the custody of the Corps in Niger State. The three additional personnel identified in connection with the incident have been suspended, bringing the total number of personnel in custody to 24.
Afolabi said all affected officers and men of the Niger State Command have been moved to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja for interrogation and administrative disciplinary action.
He added they would also be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigation panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The development came 24 hours after the Federal Government constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the committee on Saturday following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent, and unhindered investigation into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026. FollowFederal Policy
The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and will investigate the identities of the deceased, their arrest and detention, and the cause and circumstances of their deaths. NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi said the Corps would ensure due process, transparency and accountability in the investigation. He said every personnel found culpable would face the full weight of internal disciplinary measures and the law.
Audi said, 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.
The officers currently held include the suspended Niger State Commandant, Commandant Subaru Siyaka Aniviye; Ajayi Philips, Head of Intelligence and Investigation; John Agrahau Chagwa, Head of Operations; Obafemi Elvis; Stephen Tsado, Officer-in-Charge of Legal; and other personnel.
The de@ths occurred after the miners were arrested during anti-illegal mining operations conducted by the NSCDC in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
According to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, 67 miners were detained in an NSCDC facility before 37 of them died. Survivors have given accounts of overcrowding, heat, denial of water, and the alleged spraying of a substance inside their cell.
