…Detains more officers
AS Nigeria mourns the tragic death of 33 suspected illegal miners in Niger State, the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Audi, has assured the public that the investigation into the incident will be guided by strict transparency, due process, and accountability.This is as the Corps announced an increase in the number of its personnel detained in connection with the tragedy, rising from the initial 21 to 24.

In a statement, Audi vowed that any personnel found culpable would face the full weight of internal disciplinary measures and the law.The Corps Public Relations Officer, ACC Babawale Afolabi, while parading the officers at the National Headquarters in Abuja, disclosed that three additional personnel had been identified and placed on suspension.

Afolabi explained, “In a swift and decisive joint operation conducted in conjunction with the Commandant General’s Special Investigation Squad (SIS), all officers and men of the Niger State Command linked to the gross misconduct have since, on the 17th of September 2026, been taken into protective custody at the National Headquarters, Abuja.

“They are undergoing rigorous interrogation and administrative disciplinary action, so as to make them available for the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigation panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.”

In a solemn demonstration of grief, institutional remorse, and absolute disapproval of the incident, the Commandant General ordered the NSCDC flag to be flown at half-mast across all formations for three days, commencing Sunday, 20th September 2026.The Service noted that this directive signals the agency’s collective mourning and unwavering resolve to purge the system of bad eggs.

“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.

He pledged that the NSCDC would continuously keep the public informed on the outcome of the investigation, adding that the leadership remains committed to human rights protection and professional ethics.He further appreciated Nigerians for their patience and understanding during the ongoing internal re-evaluation.

The 24 officers currently held in custody in connection with the event are Commandant Subaru Siyaka Aniviye (Suspended Niger State Commandant), DCC Ajayi Philips (HOD Intelligence and Investigation), DCC John Agrahau Chagwa (HOD Operations), DCC Obafemi Elvis, ACC Stephen Tsado (O/C Legal), CSC Oluwadare Sunday, CSC Annas Shittu Lamino, SC Usman Isah Ndamaka and DSC Aminu Sule Garba.

Others are DSC Musa Marafa, DSC Isah Sulaiman, ASCI Hassan Muhammad, ASCI Alhassan Muhammad, Aliyu Sallah (Guard Duty), IC Abdullahi Sale, IC Mohammed N. Sonfada, Mohammed Jiya, Sale Adamu and Haruna Muhammed.Also under custody are CCA Baba Muhamma, CAI Isah Sanusi, CAI Liman Abubakar, CAI Bala Usman and CAI Ahmed Wushishi