37 Miners’ D**ths: Suspended NSCDC Commandant, Other Officers Paraded In Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has paraded its suspended Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and other officers in connection with the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the Corps’ custody.

The officers were paraded on Sunday at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, during a briefing led by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, who provided an update on the preliminary findings into the incident.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the 37 detainees died days after they were arrested during anti-illegal mining operations carried out by NSCDC personnel in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State between September 15 and 16, 2026.

The NSCDC had initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, stating that medical examinations would be required to determine the actual cause. However, the Corps’ national leadership ordered further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Following the incident, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, suspended Aniviye and 20 other NSCDC officers pending the outcome of an independent investigation. The Federal Government also ordered a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The NSCDC separately constituted a high-powered investigative team to examine the condition of the detainees when they were arrested, their period in custody, the conditions under which they were detained and the medical attention provided to them.

The development has generated widespread concern over the circumstances surrounding the deaths, with calls for a transparent investigation to establish what happened and determine responsibility. The exact cause of death remains subject to investigation and medical findings.

The ongoing investigations are expected to provide further details on the events leading to the deaths and establish whether any officials or other parties should be held accountable.