FG Suspends 20 NSCDC Officers, Sets Up Panel Over Deaths of 37 Miners

The Federal Government has suspended 20 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), alongside the Niger State Commandant of the Corps, over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in NSCDC custody in Minna, Niger State.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the suspensions on Saturday, September 19, 2026, saying the affected officers would remain suspended pending the outcome of an independent investigation.

The development follows the deaths of the detainees after an NSCDC operation targeting suspected illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area of Minna on September 15 and 16.

The NSCDC had earlier said some of the detainees were found dead in the early hours of September 17, while the actual cause of death had not been conclusively established. The Corps initially referred to a suspected disease outbreak and said medical examinations would be conducted.

In response to the incident, the Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, examine their arrest and detention, determine the circumstances and cause of their deaths, and establish whether negligence, misconduct or other forms of responsibility were involved. The committee has two weeks to submit its report.

The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has also deployed mining and technical experts to Niger State to assist with the investigation. Authorities are examining several possible factors, while the state government has ordered forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, to help establish the scientific cause of death.

The incident has generated public concern and protests in Minna. The Federal Government has appealed for calm and directed the preservation of records and other evidence connected to the case.

For now, the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation, with the outcome of the independent panel expected to provide further answers.

TAGS:
Niger State
NSCDC
Illegal Mining

PHOTO CAPTION:
The Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers have been suspended as the Federal Government investigates the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody.