The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has detained 24 of its personnel in connection with the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in custody in Niger State.
Among those detained is the suspended Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, alongside 23 other officers whose actions or responsibilities are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
The personnel were taken into protective custody at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, where they are undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary procedures. The authorities said the officers are also being made available to the independent investigation panels examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
The development followed the arrest of suspected illegal miners during operations carried out in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16. The 37 detainees were subsequently found dead several days after their arrest.
The NSCDC had initially linked the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, but the precise cause of death has not been established. Further medical investigations are expected to determine what led to the deaths and whether any misconduct, negligence or other factors contributed to the incident.
The Corps has said that any personnel found responsible will face appropriate disciplinary measures and possible legal consequences. It also ordered its flag to be flown at half mast across its formations for three days as a mark of mourning and institutional concern over the incident.
The 24 personnel under investigation include officers involved in intelligence, operations, legal duties, investigations and security responsibilities connected to the arrests and detention of the suspected miners. Two senior officers were specifically linked to allegations of inadequate supervision.
The incident has generated widespread concern, particularly over the circumstances in which the detainees died and the treatment of people held in custody. The Federal Government has also established an independent committee to investigate the deaths, determine responsibility and make recommendations on appropriate action and measures to prevent a similar incident in the future.
President Bola Tinubu has directed that the investigation be comprehensive and transparent, while the government has maintained that efforts to combat illegal mining must be carried out within the law.
As investigations continue, attention is expected to remain focused on establishing what happened to the 37 detainees between their arrest and their deaths, the conditions under which they were held and whether any officials failed in their responsibilities.
The NSCDC leadership has promised to make the outcome of the investigations public and reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, professional conduct and respect for the rights of citizens.
