The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has paraded its suspended Niger State Commandant, Commandant Suberu Aniviye, alongside 23 other personnel being investigated over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the Corps’ custody.
The personnel were paraded at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, on Sunday, September 20, during a briefing by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi.
According to the NSCDC, the number of personnel in custody has risen from the initial 21 to 24 after three additional officers were identified and suspended in connection with the incident.
How the 37 Miners Died
The 37 detainees died after being arrested during NSCDC anti-illegal mining operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The Corps initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, saying medical examinations would be used to establish the actual cause.
However, allegations surrounding the detention conditions have intensified, with survivors and relatives raising concerns about overcrowding and poor ventilation.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago had said 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners were detained at an NSCDC facility before 37 died.
The exact cause of death remains subject to investigation, with possible suffocation linked to overcrowding and exposure to hazardous substances among the issues being examined.
24 NSCDC Personnel Under Investigation
The NSCDC said all 24 personnel linked to the incident have been in protective custody at its national headquarters in Abuja since September 17.
Afolabi said the officers were undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary proceedings to make them available to the presidential independent investigation committee and other investigative panels for further questioning and possible prosecution.
The personnel include Aniviye and officers responsible for station guard duties, investigations, arrests, intelligence, operations, legal matters and detention-related duties.
The Corps said any personnel found culpable would face internal disciplinary measures and the full force of the law.
Tinubu Orders Transparent Investigation
President Bola Tinubu had directed a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the deaths.
Following the directive, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the identities of the deceased, their arrest and detention, and the cause and circumstances of their deaths.
The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report.
The minister also directed that relevant records and evidence be preserved and made available to investigators.
Protests Follow Miners’ Deaths
The deaths triggered protests in Minna, with clashes between protesters and security personnel prompting authorities to impose a curfew.
Human rights groups have also called for an independent investigation, particularly amid reports that some of those detained were minors.
The NSCDC has ordered its flag to fly at half-mast across its formations for three days from September 20 as a mark of respect for the 37 victims.
The outcome of the ongoing investigation is expected to establish what happened inside the detention facility, determine responsibility where applicable and guide further action.
Chronicle NG reports that the development was first reported by Channels Television, while subsequent NSCDC statements confirmed that 24 personnel are now in custody as investigations continue.
