ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has detained 24 of its personnel following the deaths of suspected illegal miners in its custody in Niger State.
The agency announced on Sunday, September 20, 2026, that three additional officers had been arrested and suspended, increasing the number of personnel held in connection with the incident from 21 to 24.
The arrests followed a directive from President Bola Tinubu for an investigation into the deaths, which occurred on Thursday.
A 10-member independent committee established by the Federal Government is examining the circumstances of the incident and the possible involvement of individuals or institutions.
Officers Transferred to Abuja for Questioning
Babawale Afolabi, spokesman for the NSCDC, said in a statement issued in Abuja that the additional personnel had been identified as part of the agency’s investigation.
All 24 officers, who served in the Niger State Command, have been transferred to the corps’ national headquarters in Abuja for questioning and internal disciplinary proceedings.
The detained personnel include the suspended Niger State Commandant, Subaru Siyaka Aniviye; the Head of Intelligence and Investigation, Ajayi Philips; the Head of Operations, John Agrahau Chagwa; Obafemi Elvis; and the Officer-in-Charge of Legal, Stephen Tsado.
Afolabi said the officers would also be made available to the independent committee and other panels investigating the deaths. Their cases could be referred for prosecution.
Federal Panel to Investigate Deaths
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the formation of the independent committee on Saturday, following Tinubu’s directive for an investigation without restrictions.
Tunji-Ojo also ordered the suspension of all officers suspected of involvement in the incident.
The committee is expected to establish how the miners died while in the agency’s custody and determine whether any individuals or institutions bear responsibility.
Ahmed Audi, the NSCDC Commandant General, said the agency would follow established disciplinary and legal procedures in addressing the findings of the investigations.
He said personnel found responsible for wrongdoing would face internal sanctions and possible legal consequences.
“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.
NSCDC Orders Three Days of Mourning
Audi also directed that the agency’s flag be flown at half-mast at all its formations for three days, beginning on Sunday, in remembrance of the miners who died in custody.
The order was issued as the agency continued its internal inquiry and prepared to make the detained personnel available to the federal investigative committee.
The circumstances of the deaths and the responsibilities of those involved remain the subject of the investigations.
