Miners’ deaths: NSCDC suspends more officers, orders 3-day half-mast

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended three more personnel and ordered three days of half-mast to mourn alleged illegal miners who died in its Niger State custody.

The NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, announced this in a statement issued on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

21 NSCDC officers had earlier been suspended and summoned to the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja, following the death of 37 illegal mining suspects.

Afolabi said the NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Ahmed Audi, gave the directive in disapproval of the incident.

Audi said this was aimed to signal a collective mourning and unwavering resolve to purge the system of bad eggs.

He added that all arrested personnel would be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigation panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had set up a 10-member independent investigative committee to examine the situation surrounding the demise of the victims.

Bago vows probe as Niger holds prayers for 37 miners who died in custody

According to the CG, the corps was built on integrity, professionalism, discipline, and absolute respect for the rule of law.

“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,” Audi said.
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He pledged on behalf of the NSCDC to continue to keep the public abreast on the outcome of the investigation.

“The leadership of the NSCDC will continue to show unwavering commitment to transparency, human rights protection and professional ethics,” he added.