The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested and detained three additional personnel over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the Corps’ custody in Niger State.
The latest arrests bring the number of NSCDC personnel being held in connection with the incident to 24. The Corps disclosed this on Sunday through its spokesman, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi.
Mr Afolabi said the three newly identified personnel had been suspended and placed in custody, alongside the 21 officers earlier detained.
He said personnel linked to the incident had been moved from the Niger State Command to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, where they are undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary procedures.
The Corps said the officers would also be made available to the 10-member Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The latest development came a day after the Federal Government constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the panel on Saturday following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation.
Mr Tunji-Ojo also ordered the suspension of officers allegedly connected to the incident.
The 37 suspected miners were arrested during operations against illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on 15 and 16 September. Their deaths were discovered on 17 September.
NSCDC promises accountability
The NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, said the Corps would ensure due process, transparency and accountability throughout the investigation.
Mr Audi said personnel found culpable would face internal disciplinary measures and the full force of the law.
He said the Corps does not condone conduct that undermines citizens’ fundamental rights or the trust placed in its personnel.
The NSCDC has also directed that its flag be flown at half-mast for three days across all its formations as a mark of mourning.
