NSCDC spokesman, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
The corps had initially detained 21 personnel following the deaths of the suspected illegal miners, who died while in custody after being arrested during anti-illegal mining operations in Niger State.
Afolabi said the three additional personnel identified in connection with the incident had also been suspended and placed in custody, bringing the total number of affected officers to 24.
He added that all the affected officers and men of the Niger State Command had been moved to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, where they were undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary procedures.
According to him, the personnel would also be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels for further questioning and possible prosecution.
The development came a day after the Federal Government constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the committee on Saturday following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
The committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, as well as the cause of their deaths.
It will also determine whether there was any responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable and measures to prevent a recurrence.
The deaths occurred after the suspects were arrested during anti-illegal mining operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago said 67 suspected illegal miners were detained at the NSCDC facility, while 37 subsequently died.
The cause of the deaths has not been conclusively established. The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, while survivors and relatives have raised allegations of overcrowding, excessive heat, poor ventilation, inadequate access to water and the spraying of a substance inside the cell. These claims remain subject to investigation.
NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi said the corps would ensure due process, transparency and accountability throughout the investigation.
He said any personnel found culpable would face appropriate internal disciplinary measures and prosecution under the law.
“As a Corps 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.
Among those currently in custody is the suspended Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, alongside other senior personnel including the Head of Intelligence and Investigation, Ajayi Philips; Head of Operations, John Agrahau Chagwa; Obafemi Elvis; and Officer-in-Charge of Legal, Stephen Tsado.
The independent panel and other ongoing investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any individuals should be held responsible.
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