The Federal Government has suspended 20 NSCDC officers over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State. The Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, was also suspended. The action followed the deaths of detainees in NSCDC custody on September 17, 2026.
The Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also approved a 10-member independent committee. The panel will identify the deceased and examine their arrests and detention. It will also investigate the cause and circumstances of the deaths.
Furthermore, it will determine possible responsibility, negligence, misconduct or complicity. The panel will recommend action and compensation where necessary.
The deceased were among scores of suspected illegal miners arrested on September 15 and 16. The arrests happened around M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas. The NSCDC initially linked the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak.
However, the actual cause remains unconfirmed. Survivors have also described overcrowded cells and poor ventilation. One survivor alleged that a substance resembling perfume was sprayed inside a cell. These claims remain part of the investigation.
Full list of 20 suspended NSCDC officers
1. SC Usman Isah Ndamaka — O/C Station Guard
2. ASCI Hassan Mohammed — Station Guard
3. CCA Bala Mohammed — Station Guard
4. CSC Oluwadare Sunday — Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation
5. DCC Obafemi Elvis — Arresting Officer
6. CSC Annas Shitto Lamino — Arresting Officer
7. DCC Philip Ajayi — HOD INT/INV
8. ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado — O/C Legal
9. ASCI Alhassan Mohammed — Night Duty Officer
10. IC Abdullahi Sale — Guard Duty
11. IC Mohammed Sonfada — Guard Duty
12. CAI Liman Abubakar — Guard Duty
13. CAI Bala Usman — Guard Duty
14. IC Mohammed Jiya — Guard Duty
15. DSC Isah Suleiman — Guard Duty
16. CAI Ahmed Wushishi — Guard Duty
17. IC Sale Adamu — Guard Duty
18. IC Haruna Mohammed — Guard Duty
19. ASCI Aliyu Sallah — Guard Duty
20. CAI Isah Sanusi — Guard Duty
The incident has also triggered protests in Minna and a state government inquiry. President Bola Tinubu ordered a comprehensive investigation. Meanwhile, authorities say the process will establish what happened and who may be responsible.
