The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has detained 24 of its personnel in connection with the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
The personnel include the suspended Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, alongside 23 other officers and men linked to the incident.
The Corps’ Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this while parading the affected personnel at the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja.
According to him, the number of personnel detained increased from the initial 21 after three additional officers were identified and suspended in connection with the deaths. (Trust Radio)
The miners were arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the Wushishi-Lukoto area of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The detainees later died while in NSCDC custody in Minna, triggering public outrage and calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The NSCDC said all personnel linked to the incident were taken into protective custody at its national headquarters in Abuja from September 17. They are undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary proceedings and will be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels. (Trust Radio)
Commandant-General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, said the Corps would ensure that any personnel found culpable face disciplinary measures and prosecution under the law.
He also reiterated the agency’s commitment to transparency, accountability, human rights and professional conduct.
The Corps has ordered its flag to be flown at half-mast across all its formations for three days in honour of the deceased.
Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the deaths are ongoing. Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago said survivors had raised allegations concerning overcrowding, poor ventilation and the possible use of an unidentified substance inside the detention facility. The claims have not been independently verified. (Trust Radio)
President Bola Tinubu had earlier ordered investigations into the incident, while the Niger State NSCDC commandant was suspended pending the outcome of the probe.
The deaths have also heightened concerns over the enforcement of Nigeria’s campaign against illegal mining and the treatment of suspects held by security agencies.
Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any officials or personnel should face criminal or administrative sanctions.
