The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested and detained three more personnel in connection with the deaths of suspected 37 illegal miners in Niger State.
The Corps had initially arrested 21 personnel over the unfortunate incident.
NSCDC Spokesman, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this 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 latest arrests came as the Corps ordered its flag to fly at half-mast across all its formations for three days from Sunday, as a mark of mourning over the incident.
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, had 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.
Tunji-Ojo also ordered the suspension of all officers allegedly involved in the incident.
Reacting in a statement on Sunday, Afolabi said the three additional personnel identified in connection with the incident had been suspended, bringing the total number of personnel in custody to 24.
The spokesman noted that all the affected officers and men of the Niger State Command had been moved to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja for interrogation and administrative disciplinary action.
He said, “As against the initial figure of 21 personnel, the Corps Public Relations Officer, three more personnel identified have also been placed on suspension, thereby bringing the total to 24 personnel.
“They are among the officers paraded at the Corps Headquarters.”
Afolabi added that the personnel would also be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigation panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He said, “In a swift and decisive joint operation conducted in conjunction with the Commandant General’s Special Investigation Squad, all officers and men of the Niger State Command linked to the gross misconduct have since 17th September 2026 been taken into protective custody at the National Headquarters, Abuja, where they are undergoing rigorous interrogation and administrative disciplinary action, to make them available for the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigation panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.”
Similarly, the 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.
“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,” Audi said.
The Commandant General also directed that the NSCDC flag be flown at half-mast across all formations for three days beginning Sunday.
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 federal government’s 10-member panel is expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine the responsibilities of any individuals or institutions found to have played a role in the incident.
Meanwhile, a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has applauded the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for his decision to probe the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners following their arrest in Niger State.
According to the NSCDC, the suspects were arrested during enforcement operations conducted by the Niger State Command on September 15 and 16 along the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis.
In a statement dated September 17, 2026, the NSCDC confirmed their deaths, attributing them to an apparent disease outbreak. Following the incident, Audi constituted a high-powered investigative team headed by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
The NSCDC noted that the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to determine the exact cause of death. The Corps also cautioned against speculation attributing the deaths to a specific illness, emphasizing that any conclusion must await medical and laboratory confirmation.
In a statement on Friday, the coalition noted that the NSCDC leadership’s decision to investigate demonstrates a commitment to accountability, transparency, and the protection of individuals in the custody of the Corps. The group added that Audi’s directive for the Niger State Commandant to step aside during the ongoing probe would ensure the process remains free from interference.
Describing the action as proof that the NSCDC leadership is prepared to establish the facts independently rather than prejudge the outcome, the coalition stated:
“We commend the Commandant General for responding promptly to this serious matter and for taking steps to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths are thoroughly investigated.”
The coalition urged Nigerians and the international community to exercise patience while medical and investigative processes run their course, stressing that conclusions should rely strictly on verified evidence.
The CSOs emphasized that they are closely monitoring developments, expecting a thorough and transparent probe, and will share their assessment once the findings are released. They added that anyone found responsible for wrongdoing must face the full weight of the law.
