The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has placed its suspended Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and 23 other personnel in protective custody following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the Corps’ custody.
The affected personnel were paraded at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, on Sunday as the organisation briefed journalists on preliminary findings surrounding the incident.
The 37 detainees died on September 17, 2026, after they were arrested during anti-illegal-mining operations carried out in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The NSCDC initially said the deaths could have been linked to a suspected disease outbreak, stressing that medical examinations would be required to determine the actual cause.
However, the incident has generated significant public concern, prompting the Federal Government to order an investigation and suspend the Niger State commandant pending the outcome of the probe.
The NSCDC’s National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, said the number of personnel placed under investigation had risen after three additional officers were identified and suspended.
This brought the total number of NSCDC personnel in protective custody to 24, including the suspended commandant.
According to the Corps, the personnel linked to the incident are undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary proceedings. Those found culpable are expected to face appropriate internal sanctions as well as possible legal action.
The Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has also directed that the Corps’ flag be flown at half-mast across its formations for three days in honour of the deceased.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has constituted an independent committee to investigate the deaths and determine what happened to the detainees while they were in custody.
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, detention conditions, medical attention provided to the suspects and the events leading to their deaths.
Authorities have also stressed that the investigation should establish responsibility based on evidence rather than assumptions.
The NSCDC has pledged to cooperate with the independent investigation and ensure that any personnel found responsible for misconduct or negligence are dealt with in accordance with the law.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths therefore remain subject to ongoing investigations, with authorities yet to establish a definitive cause of death or criminal responsibility.
