The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has arrested and detained three additional personnel in connection with the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the Corps’ custody in Niger State.
The latest arrests bring the number of NSCDC personnel in custody over the incident to 24. The Corps said the three newly identified officers have been suspended and moved to its National Headquarters in Abuja for interrogation and administrative disciplinary action.
NSCDC spokesman, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, said the affected personnel would be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels for further questioning and possible prosecution.
The deaths occurred on September 17, 2026, after 67 suspected illegal miners were detained following anti-illegal mining operations in Niger State. The circumstances and actual cause of the deaths are now the subject of an independent investigation.
The Federal Government had earlier suspended 20 NSCDC officers and constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident. The committee is expected to determine what happened and establish responsibility where wrongdoing is found.
NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, said the Corps would ensure due process, transparency and accountability, adding that any personnel found culpable would face disciplinary measures and possible legal action.
The NSCDC has also ordered its flag to be flown at half-mast across all formations for three days in mourning over the deaths.
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