NSCDC: Arrests 24 Over Niger Miners Deaths, Suspends Officers

• The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested three more personnel, bringing the total in custody to 24.
• These arrests are linked to the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died in NSCDC custody in Niger State on September 17, 2026.
• The Federal Government has established a 10-member independent committee, following President Tinubu's directive, to investigate the incident.
• Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the suspension of all officers allegedly involved.
• All affected NSCDC personnel from Niger State have been transferred to Abuja for interrogation and administrative disciplinary action, and will cooperate with the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee.

Commandant General Ahmed Audi affirmed the Corps' dedication to due process, transparency, and accountability throughout the investigation.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has taken three additional personnel into custody, bringing the total number of officers detained to 24 following the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State. These individuals reportedly died while under the Corps' custody. Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC Spokesman, confirmed these latest arrests in a statement released on Sunday from Abuja. This development follows an earlier announcement by the NSCDC regarding the detention of 21 personnel in connection with the same incident.

In a somber response to the tragic events, the NSCDC has mandated that its flag be flown at half-mast across all its formations for a period of three days, commencing from Sunday. This gesture serves as a mark of mourning and respect in the wake of the deaths. The expanded number of arrests underscores the ongoing internal scrutiny within the Corps as it addresses the serious allegations surrounding the incident involving the Niger State miners custody deaths.

The latest actions by the NSCDC closely followed a significant intervention from the Federal Government, which, just 24 hours prior, established a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported fatalities. This crucial step was initiated by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Saturday, acting on a direct order from President Bola Tinubu. The President had called for a comprehensive, transparent, and unhindered investigation into the incident, which reportedly took place on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Minister Tunji-Ojo further demonstrated the government's commitment to accountability by ordering the immediate suspension of all officers allegedly implicated in the incident. The Presidential Independent Investigation Committee is tasked with thoroughly examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths and identifying individuals responsible for any misconduct. This federal oversight signals a serious commitment to addressing the issue at the highest levels of government.

The NSCDC has moved all affected officers and men from its Niger State Command to its National Headquarters in Abuja. There, they are undergoing rigorous interrogation and administrative disciplinary action. Spokesman Afolabi reiterated that the three newly identified personnel have also been suspended, confirming the total of 24 personnel now facing internal review. These officers will also be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels for further inquiry and potential prosecution.

Commandant General Ahmed Audi affirmed the Corps' dedication to due process, transparency, and accountability throughout the investigation. He stated unequivocally that any personnel found culpable would face the full force of both internal disciplinary measures and the law. Audi emphasized that the Corps, built on principles of integrity, professionalism, discipline, and absolute respect for the rule of law, does not tolerate unprofessional conduct, high-handedness, or actions that infringe upon citizens' fundamental rights or betray public trust. Among those currently held are the suspended Niger State Commandant, Subaru Siyaka Aniviye; Head of Intelligence and Investigation, Ajayi Philips; Head of Operations, John Agrahau Chagwa; Obafemi Elvis; and Officer-in-Charge of Legal, Stephen Tsado, alongside other personnel.

This development signals increased government scrutiny and accountability for security force misconduct, providing a precedent for lawyers advising clients on rights during detention or pursuing legal action against state actors for alleged abuses. It underscores the importance of monitoring internal disciplinary actions and independent investigations into such incidents.

Source: Original reporting via Punch Newspaper.