The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has ordered the continued detention of 24 of its personnel for two weeks in connection with the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State, according to a statement from the agency’s National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi. The officers, detained at the NSCDC’s National Headquarters in Abuja, are under protective custody to ensure their availability for an independent investigation initiated by the Federal Government. The directive, issued by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, mandates a 10-member investigative committee to complete its findings within two weeks and submit a report to the Ministry of Interior.
Afolabi clarified that the detention is not a standard criminal hold but a “protective detention” measure to prevent interference with the probe. He emphasized that the officers’ custody is tied to a presidential directive, stating, “They’re under a kind of protective detention, so they cannot go anywhere.” The agency had previously placed all Niger State Command personnel linked to the incident in custody on September 17, 2026, following the arrests of 37 miners between September 15 and 16. The deaths have sparked public concern over the conditions of detention and the treatment of the suspects.
The NSCDC identified 24 officers for detention, including suspended Niger State Commandant Subaru Aniviye and senior officials such as Ajayi Philips, Head of Intelligence and Investigation, and John Agrahau Chagwa, Head of Operations. Afolabi stated that the personnel were taken into custody to facilitate investigations by the independent committee and other panels. “They are undergoing rigorous interrogation and administrative disciplinary action to make them available for the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigation panels for further investigation and possible prosecution,” he said. Three additional officers were placed on suspension, bringing the total to 24.
Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago, disclosed allegations from survivors of the incident, including claims that detainees were held in overcrowded, poorly ventilated cells and exposed to an unidentified substance. Bago, speaking to the BBC, cited a survivor currently under the Department of State Services (DSS) who described a man spraying a substance resembling perfume into the room, causing coughing and choking. Survivors also alleged the substance was similar to pepper, potentially tear gas, though the BBC could not independently verify the claims. “One of the survivors said a man came into their room where they were detained and sprayed something like perfume. Then people started coughing and choking,” Bago recounted.
The governor reported that some detainees resorted to drinking their own urine due to thirst, while others placed their noses under doors to breathe. He noted that some collapsed and died amid the heat and lack of air, with others in different rooms surviving. Bago also described the condition of the bodies at the General Hospital in Minna, where some showed peeling skin, swelling, foam around the mouth, and bleeding from the nose and mouth. “Doctors were brought in and samples collected to establish the cause of death, while autopsies had also been conducted on some of the bodies,” he said, though he stressed that the circumstances remained under investigation.
Bago emphasized that the state government is not responsible for the incident, as the NSCDC operates as a federal agency. He stated, “The NSCDC does not require the governor’s permission to arrest people where the matter fell within its jurisdiction.” The governor confirmed that the Corps’ fight against illegal mining is a core responsibility. However, he raised questions about the number of arrests, citing reports that over 67 people were detained, with 37 later dying. “We want to establish exactly how many people were arrested. We are still investigating that,” he said.
The incident has highlighted the prevalence of illegal mining in Niger State, where Bago noted that young people and families often engage in the activity for livelihood. He criticized the imbalance in earnings, stating that miners receive little from their labor while middlemen profit. The governor also linked the issue to declining school attendance, as children abandon education to search for minerals. “The state government has been seeking partnerships to develop the mining sector under a regulated framework capable of creating jobs and improving livelihoods,” he said, adding that the state would support the families of the victims once identified.
Bago criticized the lack of transparency in the incident, noting that some relatives of the deceased were unaware of their family members’ deaths until they arrived at the detention facility. “Thirty-seven people have died. Can we simply remain silent?” he asked, underscoring the need for accountability. The Federal Government has also pledged to pursue the matter, with the Interior Minister and other officials visiting Niger State to oversee the investigation.
The NSCDC’s actions have drawn scrutiny over the treatment of detainees and the agency’s role in the deaths. Afolabi defended the protective custody measure, stating it was necessary to ensure the officers’ availability for the probe. However, critics argue that the lack of transparency in the investigation and the absence of independent oversight could undermine public trust. The agency has also initiated administrative disciplinary procedures for the detained officers while the investigation proceeds.
The governor confirmed that personnel at the detention facility, except the head, have been suspended to prevent interference with the probe. He also mentioned that multiple committees, including those involving the police, DSS, and state government, have been formed to investigate the incident. The Inspector-General of Police has also established a separate committee, while the Interior Minister visited the state with officials from relevant agencies. “All of these are allegations that must be investigated,” Bago said, acknowledging the need for thorough scrutiny.
The deaths have reignited debates about the safety of detainees and the accountability of security agencies. Human rights organizations have called for independent oversight of the investigation, citing concerns over potential cover-ups. The NSCDC’s handling of the incident has also raised questions about the broader challenges of enforcing laws against illegal mining, which remains a contentious issue in Niger State and other regions of Nigeria.
Bago reiterated the state’s commitment to addressing the root causes of illegal mining, including poverty and lack of alternative livelihoods. “We need to create a framework that protects both the environment and the people,” he said. The governor’s statements reflect a broader push for systemic reforms to tackle the issue, though the immediate focus remains on the ongoing investigations into the miners’ deaths.
The incident has underscored the urgent need for transparency and accountability in the treatment of detainees. As the independent committee works to uncover the truth, the families of the victims and the public await answers. The NSCDC’s actions and the government’s response will be critical in determining whether this tragedy leads to meaningful reforms or further erosion of trust in security institutions.
The deaths of 37 miners in NSCDC custody have sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. The protective detention of 24 officers and the independent investigation represent a step toward accountability, but the full scope of the incident remains unclear. As the probe continues, the focus will remain on uncovering the truth and ensuring that such a tragedy does not recur.
The broader implications of the incident extend beyond the immediate deaths, highlighting the complex interplay between security operations, human rights, and economic survival. The Niger State government’s efforts to regulate mining and provide alternatives for affected communities will be crucial in addressing the underlying causes of illegal mining. Meanwhile, the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability will be tested as the investigation unfolds.
The case has also drawn attention to the need for improved oversight of security agencies and the protection of detainees’ rights. As the investigation progresses, the public will be watching closely to see whether the findings lead to meaningful reforms and justice for the victims. The outcome of this probe could set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled in the future.
The deaths of the 37 miners have left a profound impact on Niger State and the nation at large. The ongoing investigations and the responses from both the state and federal governments will shape the narrative around this tragedy. As the truth emerges, the focus will remain on ensuring that the victims’ families receive justice and that systemic changes are implemented to prevent future incidents.