NSCDC Detains 24 Personnel Over 37 Miners’ Deaths

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has detained 24 personnel over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State, as investigations continue into what happened while the men were in custody.

The detained personnel include the suspended Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and officers linked to intelligence, operations, legal duties, arrests and detention. The NSCDC said three additional personnel were identified after an earlier list of 21, bringing the total to 24.

The development came days after the 37 detainees died following anti-illegal-mining operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

The federal government has opened an independent investigation into the deaths. The Federal Ministry of Interior said the 10-member committee was set up following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent probe.

The committee is expected to establish what led to the deaths and examine the actions of officials involved in the arrests and detention.

NSCDC Expands Internal Investigation

NSCDC spokesman Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi said the 24 personnel have been held at the Corps’ national headquarters in Abuja since September 17.

He said the officers are being questioned and subjected to administrative disciplinary procedures. They will also be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other panels where necessary.

Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, said the Corps would follow due process and hold anyone found responsible accountable.

“Every single personnel found culpable will face the full weight of internal disciplinary measures and the law,” Audi said.

The NSCDC is the federal agency responsible for civil protection, disaster response and other security duties, including supporting efforts against illegal mining.

The Corps also ordered its flag to fly at half-mast across all commands and formations for three days from September 20. The measure was announced as a sign of mourning and institutional remorse over the deaths.

Audi said the Corps does not tolerate conduct that violates citizens’ rights or undermines public trust.

“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,” he said.

The latest development follows the federal government’s earlier suspension of 20 NSCDC officers, in addition to the Niger State commandant. The Federal Ministry of Interior said those officers included personnel responsible for arrests, investigations, intelligence, legal services and guard duties.

The government said the independent committee has two weeks to complete its work and submit its report to the Interior Minister.

Families Raise Abuse And Detention Concerns

The cause of death has not been conclusively established. The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, while survivors and relatives have alleged overcrowding, poor ventilation and physical abuse.

The Associated Press reported that families of some of the victims accused officials of mistreatment.

Lawan Mohammed said his 25-year-old son, Sulieman, was a motorcycle mechanic who was arrested while travelling home. Mohammed said he went to the detention facility the following morning with food but was told his son had died.

“I had a lot of expectations for my son, but now they have been shattered completely,” Mohammed said.

Saba Usman also alleged that his son, Usman Whalid, was beaten while in custody. He said he had photographs and videos showing injuries, although the allegations have yet to be independently established.

A survivor, Mubarak Dahiru, said detainees pleaded for water and food while they were being held together. He alleged that officials beat them during their detention.

The accounts are among the issues investigators will have to examine. Reports said 67 detainees were being held in a cell before 37 died.

The government has not yet established whether overcrowding, illness, violence or another factor caused the deaths.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Nigeria’s statutory human-rights body, has previously raised concerns about violations involving unlawful detention, torture and access to justice.

The National Human Rights Commission reported more than 371,000 complaints of rights violations in 2025.

The Nigerian Bar Association has also called for a thorough, independent and credible investigation into the deaths.

Illegal Mining Adds Wider Security Pressure

The case comes amid a wider government campaign against illegal mining across Nigeria. Authorities have repeatedly raised concerns about the security risks associated with unregulated mining activities.

Illegal mining is especially contentious in parts of north-central and northwestern Nigeria, where analysts have linked some illicit mining networks to organised criminal groups.

However, the circumstances surrounding the Niger State deaths remain under investigation. Claims about the exact cause of death, alleged mistreatment and possible individual responsibility have not yet been conclusively established.

The Premium Times reported that police also opened an investigation after the deaths were discovered at an NSCDC detention facility in Minna.

The central questions now are why 37 people died in custody, whether their detention conditions contributed to the deaths, and whether any officials breached Nigerian law or internal rules.

The NSCDC has promised to make the outcome of its investigation public, while the federal committee is expected to provide a separate account.

Until those investigations are completed, allegations of abuse or criminal responsibility remain allegations rather than established facts.