By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has detained 24 personnel in connection with the death of 33 suspected illegal miners in Niger State, as the Corps ordered its flag to fly at half-mast across all formations for three days.
According to an official statement signed by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Babawale Afolabi, the 24 personnel, including the suspended Niger State Commandant, Commandant Subaru Siyaka Aniviye, have been taken into protective custody at the Corps Headquarters in Abuja since September 17, 2026.
Afolabi said the personnel were being subjected to interrogation and administrative disciplinary procedures to make them available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigation panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The development represents an increase from the 21 personnel initially reported to have been detained, with three additional personnel subsequently identified and suspended in connection with the incident.
The NSCDC spokesman said the action followed a joint operation conducted with the Commandant General’s Special Investigation Squad (SIS) to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine the culpability of personnel linked to the incident.
He quoted the Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, as assuring Nigerians that the investigation would be conducted in accordance with due process, transparency and accountability.
“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,” Audi said.
The Commandant General also directed that the NSCDC flag be flown at half-mast across all formations for three days, beginning Sunday, September 20, 2026, as a mark of mourning and institutional remorse over the incident.
According to Afolabi, the gesture was also intended to demonstrate the Corps’ “absolute disapproval” of the incident and its determination to identify and remove personnel found to have acted improperly.
He said the NSCDC leadership would continue to keep the public informed about the outcome of the investigation, while reaffirming its commitment to transparency, protection of human rights and professional ethics.
Afolabi added that the Corps appreciated the patience and understanding of Nigerians as the leadership undertakes an internal re-evaluation of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Among those in custody are DCC Ajayi Philips, Head of Intelligence and Investigation; DCC John Agrahau Chagwa, Head of Operations; DCC Obafemi Elvis; ACC Stephen Tsado, Officer-in-Charge of Legal; and other officers and personnel attached to the Niger State Command.
The Corps said personnel found culpable would face internal disciplinary measures and prosecution in accordance with the law.
