NSCDC Detains 3 More Personnel Over Miners’ Deaths, Total Rises to 24
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has detained three more personnel over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State, bringing the total number of personnel in custody to 24.
The latest development comes days after the Corps detained 21 personnel in connection with the incident, which occurred after the suspected illegal miners were arrested during an anti-illegal mining operation in the state.
The NSCDC said the three additional personnel were arrested and suspended as investigations into the deaths continue.
The affected personnel have been moved to the NSCDC national headquarters in Abuja, where they are undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary proceedings.
The Corps said the personnel would also be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other panels investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The 37 suspected illegal miners died on September 17 after being arrested during operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.
Following the incident, the Federal Government constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine what led to the loss of lives.
The committee is expected to examine the circumstances of the arrests and detention and submit its report after completing its investigation.
The NSCDC has said it will cooperate fully with the investigation and that any personnel found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary action and prosecution where necessary.
The latest arrests represent a further development in the investigation, increasing the number of NSCDC personnel held over the incident from 21 to 24.
