By By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 24 personnel, including the suspended Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the Corps’ custody.
The development was disclosed by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, on Sunday.
According to the Corps, the number of personnel in custody rose from 21 to 24 after three additional officers were identified and suspended in connection with the incident.
The officers have been moved to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, where they are undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary proceedings.
The 37 detainees died on September 17, after they were arrested during anti-illegal mining operations conducted around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The NSCDC initially said the deaths followed a suspected disease outbreak, while the bodies were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.
However, survivors and relatives have raised concerns about the detention conditions, including allegations of overcrowding and poor ventilation.
Authorities have said the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain subject to investigation.
The Federal Government has also constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent probe.
The committee has two weeks to submit its report.
The NSCDC said officers found culpable would face disciplinary action and possible prosecution.
