The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has detained three additional personnel over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in its custody in Niger State, bringing the number of officers held in connection with the incident to 24.
NSCDC spokesman, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.
The Corps had initially announced the detention of 21 personnel following the deaths of the suspected illegal miners, who reportedly died while in NSCDC custody in Niger State.
Afolabi said the three additional personnel identified in connection with the incident had also been suspended and placed in protective custody at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.
He said all 24 personnel would undergo interrogation and administrative disciplinary procedures and would be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other panels investigating the incident.
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The development came 24 hours after the Federal Government constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths following a directive by President Bola Tinubu.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had also ordered the suspension of officers allegedly connected to the incident pending the outcome of the investigation.
The NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, said the Corps would ensure due process, transparency and accountability throughout the investigation.
Audi said personnel found culpable would face internal disciplinary measures and possible prosecution under the law.
As part of measures to mourn the deceased, Audi directed that the NSCDC flag be flown at half-mast across all formations for three days beginning Sunday.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation. The NSCDC initially cited a possible disease outbreak but subsequently said the cause of death had not been established and would require medical and laboratory examinations.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) called for the speedy investigation and prosecution of anyone found culpable in the incident.
Falana urged the Attorney-General of Niger State, Nasiru Mu’azu, to direct the relevant authorities to investigate the deaths and prosecute any personnel or other individuals indicted by the probe.
The Coalition of Civil Societies for Transparency and Accountability also supported the Federal Government’s investigation, urging authorities to establish the facts before reaching conclusions.
Similarly, the League of Northern Democrats called for a transparent and independent investigation, stressing that allegations of illegal mining could not justify the loss of lives in government custody.
The North-Central Indigenous Youth Council also demanded an independent forensic autopsy and prosecution of any officers found culpable.
Meanwhile, the National Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Cooperative Society expressed concern over the deaths, with its National President, Abdullahi Dantasidi, calling for a thorough investigation and improved protection and welfare for miners.
Dantasidi described the incident as painful and unfortunate, while commiserating with the families of the deceased and the Niger State Government.
The Federal Government’s independent committee is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine responsibility for any wrongdoing identified during the investigation.
