NSCDC Releases Names of Officials Involved in Custody of 37 Dead Miners, Detains Them for Investigation

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As Nigeria continues to mourn the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has detained 24 of its personnel in connection with the incident.

The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, assured Nigerians that due process, transparency and accountability would guide the investigation. He added that any personnel found culpable would face appropriate internal disciplinary measures and the full weight of the law.

The Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this on Sunday at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja while briefing journalists and parading the affected personnel.

According to Afolabi, the number of personnel being held has increased from the previously announced 21 to 24, following the identification and suspension of three additional personnel.

He said the affected officers and men of the Niger State Command were taken into protective custody at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja on September 17, 2026, following a joint operation involving the Commandant General’s Special Investigation Squad (SIS).

The personnel are undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary proceedings and will be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The NSCDC said the action is intended to ensure that all personnel connected to the incident remain available to the various investigative authorities as investigations continue.

NSCDC FLAG TO FLY AT HALF-MAST

In a further demonstration of grief and institutional remorse, the Commandant General has directed that the NSCDC flag be flown at half-mast across all formations of the Corps for three days, beginning Sunday, September 20, 2026.

The directive is intended to honour the deceased and demonstrate the Corps’ collective mourning and commitment to addressing misconduct within its ranks.

Afolabi quoted the Commandant General as saying that the NSCDC, as an institution founded on integrity, professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law, would not tolerate unprofessional conduct, high-handedness or any action that violates citizens’ fundamental rights or undermines the trust placed in the Corps.

The Commandant General further assured Nigerians that the NSCDC would continue to provide updates on the outcome of the investigation and remain committed to transparency, human-rights protection and professional ethics.

He also appealed for the patience and understanding of Nigerians as the investigations and internal review continue.

PERSONNEL DETAINED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INCIDENT

The personnel listed by the Corps are:

  1. Commandant Subaru Siyaka Aniviye (SN: 3465) – Suspended Niger State Commandant
  2. DCC Ajayi Philips (SN: 19546) – HOD, Intelligence and Investigation
    Remark: Lack of supervision
  3. DCC John Agrahau Chagwa (SN: 1571) – HOD, Operations
    Remark: Lack of supervision
  4. DCC Obafemi Elvis (SN: 26234)
  5. ACC Stephen Tsado (SN: 19057) – O/C Legal
  6. CSC Oluwadare Sunday (SN: 12648)
  7. CSC Annas Shittu Lamino (SN: 28882)
  8. SC Usman Isah Ndamaka (SN: 70016)
  9. DSC Aminu Sule Garba (SN: 66281)
  10. DSC Musa Marafa (SN: 66580)
  11. DSC Isah Sulaiman (SN: 44377)
  12. ASCI Hassan Muhammad (SN: 56218)
  13. ASCI Alhassan Muhammad (SN: 14232)
  14. Aliyu Sallah (SN: 67130) – Guard Duty
  15. IC Abdullahi Sale (SN: 41683)
  16. IC Mohammed N. Sonfada (SN: 74351)
  17. Mohammed Jiya
  18. Sale Adamu (SN: 46400)
  19. Haruna Muhammed (SN: 52659)
  20. CCA Baba Muhamma (SN: 44273)
  21. CAI Isah Sanusi (SN: 78586)
  22. CAI Liman Abubakar (SN: 72017)
  23. CAI Bala Usman (SN: 76178)
  24. CAI Ahmed Wushishi (SN: 70502)

The deaths occurred after the suspects were arrested during anti-illegal-mining operations in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16. The circumstances and actual cause of the deaths remain subject to ongoing investigations.

The Federal Government has also constituted an independent committee to investigate the reported deaths and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.


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