NSCDC Detains 24 Officers Amid Investigation of Miners' Deaths

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced that 24 personnel linked to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners will remain in protective detention for two weeks. This decision was disclosed by NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, during an interview.

The personnel are being held to prevent interference with an independent investigation led by a 10-member committee formed by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, which is tasked with examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Afolabi clarified that this detention is classified as "protective" rather than criminal, following a presidential order.

The personnel were moved to the NSCDC national headquarters in Abuja on September 17, 2026, for interrogation and administrative disciplinary procedures. Additionally, three more personnel have been identified and suspended, bringing the total to 24.

The NSCDC aims to ensure all individuals linked to the incident are available for further investigation and potential prosecution.