The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has detained 24 personnel in connection with the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners in Niger State, as the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered an internal investigation and disciplinary action against those found culpable.
The Corps also directed that its flag be flown at half-mast across all formations for three days, beginning Sunday, September 20, 2026, in mourning for the victims.
The NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement issued on behalf of the Commandant General.
Afolabi said the number of personnel detained had risen from the initially reported 21 to 24, following the identification and suspension of three additional officers and men linked to the incident.
He explained that the personnel, drawn from the Niger State Command, were taken into protective custody at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja on September 17, 2026, following a joint operation involving the Commandant General’s Special Investigation Squad.
According to him, the detained personnel are undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary proceedings to facilitate their availability to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels for further examination and possible prosecution.
The NSCDC spokesman said the decision to lower the Corps’ flag was intended to demonstrate the service’s grief, institutional remorse and disapproval of the incident.
Quoting Audi, he said the Corps would not tolerate misconduct, abuse of authority or actions that undermine citizens’ fundamental rights.
“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,” the Commandant General said.
Audi further assured Nigerians that the investigation would be conducted transparently and in accordance with due process, pledging that any personnel found responsible would face the full weight of internal disciplinary measures and the law.
He also promised that the NSCDC would keep the public informed of developments in the investigation, while reaffirming the service’s commitment to human rights protection, professional ethics and accountability.
The 24 personnel identified by the Corps are:
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Commandant Subaru Siyaka Aniviye — suspended Niger State Commandant.
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DCC Ajayi Philips — Head of Intelligence and Investigation.
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DCC John Agrahau Chagwa — Head of Operations.
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DCC Obafemi Elvis.
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ACC Stephen Tsado — Officer in Charge of Legal.
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CSC Oluwadare Sunday.
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CSC Annas Shittu Lamino.
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SC Usman Isah Ndamaka.
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DSC Aminu Sule Garba.
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DSC Musa Marafa.
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DSC Isah Sulaiman.
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ASCI Hassan Muhammad.
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ASCI Alhassan Muhammad.
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Aliyu Sallah — Guard Duty.
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IC Abdullahi Sale.
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IC Mohammed N. Sonfada.
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Mohammed Jiya.
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Sale Adamu.
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Haruna Muhammed.
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CCA Baba Muhamma.
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CAI Isah Sanusi.
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CAI Liman Abubakar.
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CAI Bala Usman.
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CAI Ahmed Wushishi.
The Corps urged Nigerians to remain patient as the investigation proceeds, reiterating its determination to address misconduct and strengthen public confidence in the service.
