The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has detained three additional personnel over the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State, bringing the number of officers in custody to 24.
The NSCDC spokesman, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.
The three officers were among personnel identified in connection with the incident and have been suspended pending further investigation.
The NSCDC had earlier detained 21 personnel following the deaths of the miners while they were in the custody of the Corps in Niger State.
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According to Afolabi, all the affected officers from the Niger State Command have been transferred to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, where they are undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary proceedings.
The personnel are also expected to appear before the 10-member presidential independent investigation committee and other panels examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The Federal Government had constituted the committee following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident, which occurred on September 17, 2026.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had also ordered the suspension of all officers allegedly connected to the incident.
Meanwhile, the NSCDC has directed that its flag be flown at half-mast across its formations for three days as a mark of mourning.
The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, said the Corps would ensure due process and accountability throughout the investigation.
He added that any personnel found responsible would face disciplinary measures and possible prosecution under the law.
Among those currently in custody are the suspended Niger State Commandant, Commandant Subaru Siyaka Aniviye; the Head of Intelligence and Investigation, Ajayi Philips; the Head of Operations, John Agrahau Chagwa; Obafemi Elvis; and the Officer-in-Charge of Legal, Stephen Tsado.
The presidential panel is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the miners’ deaths and establish the responsibility of any individuals or institutions found to have played a role.
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