Niger Deaths: NSCDC Places 24 Personnel in Custody, Vows Accountability
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has placed 24 personnel in protective custody over the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State, assuring Nigerians that the ongoing investigation will be conducted transparently and in accordance with due process.
The NSCDC Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, OFR, said every personnel found culpable would face appropriate internal disciplinary measures and the full weight of the law.
The Corps Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this while parading the affected officers and men at the NSCDC Headquarters, Abuja.
Afolabi explained that the number of personnel in custody had risen from the initially announced 21 to 24 after three additional personnel were identified in connection with the incident and suspended.
According to him, all officers and men of the Niger State Command linked to the alleged misconduct were taken into protective custody at the NSCDC National Headquarters, Abuja, on September 17, 2026.
He said the personnel were undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary proceedings and would be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels for further examination and possible prosecution where necessary.
The NSCDC spokesman said the development followed a joint operation involving the Commandant General’s Special Investigation Squad, stressing that the Corps was determined to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure accountability.
As a mark of institutional mourning and remorse, 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.
Quoting the Commandant General, Afolabi said the Corps, as an institution founded on integrity, professionalism and discipline, would not tolerate conduct that undermines citizens’ fundamental rights or the trust placed in its personnel.
The Commandant General further pledged that the NSCDC would keep Nigerians informed of developments and the outcome of the investigation, while reaffirming the Corps’ commitment to transparency, human rights protection and professional ethics.
He also appealed for the patience and understanding of Nigerians as the Corps undertakes an internal review of the incident.
The 24 personnel currently in custody are:
1. Commandant Subaru Siyaka Aniviye – suspended Niger State Commandant
2. DCC Ajayi Philips – HOD Intelligence and Investigation
3. DCC John Agrahau Chagwa – HOD Operations
4. DCC Obafemi Elvis
5. ACC Stephen Tsado – O/C Legal
6. CSC Oluwadare Sunday
7. CSC Annas Shittu Lamino
8. SC Usman Isah Ndamaka
9. DSC Aminu Sule Garba
10. DSC Musa Marafa
11. DSC Isah Sulaiman
12. ASCI Hassan Muhammad
13. ASCI Alhassan Muhammad
14. Aliyu Sallah – Guard Duty
15. IC Abdullahi Sale
16. IC Mohammed N. Sonfada
17. Mohammed Jiya
18. Sale Adamu
19. Haruna Muhammed
20. CCA Baba Muhamma
21. CAI Isah Sanusi
22. CAI Liman Abubakar
23. CAI Bala Usman
24. CAI Ahmed Wushishi
The NSCDC said the personnel remain subject to investigation, and that any further disciplinary or legal action would be based on the findings of the relevant investigative processes.
Niger Deaths: NSCDC Places 24 Personnel in Custody, Vows Accountability