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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has detained three additional personnel over the deaths of suspected illegal miners in its custody in Niger State, bringing the total number of officers held in connection with the incident to 24.
NSCDC spokesman, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.
The Corps had earlier announced the detention of 21 personnel following the deaths of the miners on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
According to Afolabi, the three additional officers identified in connection with the incident have been suspended and placed in custody at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, where they are undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary proceedings.
He said the affected personnel would be made available to the 10-member Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels for further inquiry and possible prosecution.
The development followed the Federal Government’s constitution of the independent committee to investigate the deaths, after President Bola Tinubu directed a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered probe into the incident.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had also ordered the suspension of all officers allegedly involved in the incident.
Meanwhile, NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, said the Corps would ensure due process, transparency and accountability throughout the investigation.
Audi said any personnel found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary measures and prosecution in accordance with the law.
He added that the NSCDC flag would fly at half-mast across all formations for three days from Sunday in mourning over the incident.
Among the personnel in custody are the suspended Niger State Commandant, 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.
The Federal Government’s 10-member panel is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine the responsibility of any individuals or institutions found to have played a role.
