NSCDC arrests, detains 24 personnel over 37 miners’ death

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested and placed 24 personnel in protective custody in connection with the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger.

The Corps also ordered its flag to be flown at half-mast across all its formations for three days, beginning Sunday, September 20, 2026, as a mark of mourning over the incident.

NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, gave the assurance that due process, transparency and accountability would guide the investigation, stressing that personnel found culpable would face the full weight of internal disciplinary measures and the law.

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The Corps Public Relations Officer, Mr Babawale Afolabi, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Afolabi said the number of personnel being held had risen from the earlier figure of 21 to 24 following the identification of three additional personnel allegedly linked to the incident.

He said all the affected officers and men of the Niger State Command had, since September 17, been taken into protective custody at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, the personnel are undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary procedures and would be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigation panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The NSCDC spokesman said the action was part of the Corps’ response to the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the state and its determination to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He quoted the Commandant General as saying that the Corps, “built on integrity, professionalism, discipline, and absolute respect for the rule of law,” would not condone unprofessional conduct, high-handedness or actions capable of undermining the fundamental rights of citizens.

Audi also directed that the NSCDC flag be flown at half-mast across all formations for three days as a demonstration of the Corps’ grief and institutional remorse.

The directive, according to Afolabi, also reflects the Corps’ determination to identify and sanction personnel whose conduct may have contributed to the incident.

The Commandant General pledged that the service would continue to keep Nigerians informed on the outcome of the investigation.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC leadership to transparency, protection of human rights and adherence to professional ethics.

Afolabi listed the 24 personnel being held as follows: Commandant Subaru Siyaka Aniviye (SN: 3465) – suspended Niger State Commandant; DCC Ajayi Philips (SN: 19546) – HOD Intelligence and Investigation; DCC John Agrahau Chagwa (SN: 1571) – HOD Operations.
DCC Obafemi Elvis (SN: 26234).

Others are: ACC Stephen Tsado (SN: 19057) – O/C Legal; CSC Oluwadare Sunday (SN: 12648); CSC Annas Shittu Lamino (SN: 28882); SC Usman Isah Ndamaka (SN: 70016); DSC Aminu Sule Garba (SN: 66281); DSC Musa Marafa (SN: 66580); DSC Isah Sulaiman (SN: 44377); ASCI Hassan Muhammad (SN: 56218); ASCI Alhassan Muhammad (SN: 14232) and Aliyu Sallah (SN: 67130) – Guard Duty.

Also affected are: IC Abdullahi Sale (SN: 41683); IC Mohammed N. Sonfada (SN: 74351); Mohammed Jiya;
Sale Adamu (SN: 46400); Haruna Muhammed (SN: 52659); CCA Baba Muhamma (SN: 44273); CAI Isah Sanusi (SN: 78586); CAI Liman Abubakar (SN: 72017); CAI Bala Usman (SN: 76178) and
CAI Ahmed Wushishi (SN: 70502).

The Corps appealed to Nigerians for patience and understanding as the investigation and internal re-evaluation continue.