NSCDC Custody Tragedy: More Officers Arrested as Niger Lifts Curfew After Miners' Deaths

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is facing intense scrutiny following the tragic deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in its custody in Niger State in September 2023. This devastating incident has triggered widespread protests, leading to significant governmental and institutional responses aimed at transparency and accountability.

The events unfolded after NSCDC operatives conducted anti-illegal mining operations in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto areas of Minna on September 15 and 16, 2023, resulting in numerous arrests. Tragically, in the early hours of September 17, 2023, 37 of the detained individuals were found dead, with reports indicating many were foaming from the mouth. The NSCDC initially cited a "suspected disease outbreak" as the cause but later acknowledged that the actual reason had not been conclusively established, a statement that was widely questioned by the public.

The deaths ignited furious protests and unrest across parts of Minna, involving attacks and destruction of public and private property. In response, Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State imposed a 24-hour curfew on the state capital on September 18, 2023, which was subsequently lifted effective the following Monday. Governor Bago also declared three days of official mourning for the victims, cancelled an APC rally, suspended all mining activities throughout the state, and ordered thorough investigations into the incident. Furthermore, survivors received medical attention, and others were reunited with their families after providing statements to the Nigeria Police and Department of State Services (DSS).

At the federal level, President Bola Tinubu mandated a comprehensive, transparent, and unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrests, conditions of detention, medical care provided, and the events culminating in the deaths. Following this directive, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, established a 10-member independent investigative committee, tasked with completing its assignment within two weeks and examining all aspects of the incident, including the identities of the deceased and the precise cause of their deaths.

Internally, the NSCDC has taken decisive actions, suspending and detaining 24 personnel in connection with the tragedy. This group includes an initial 21 officers, with three additional personnel later arrested. All implicated officers, including the suspended Niger State Commandant, Commandant Subaru Siyaka Aniviye; Ajayi Philips, Head of Intelligence and Investigation; John Agrahau Chagwa, Head of Operations; Obafemi Elvis; Stephen Tsado, Officer-in-Charge of Legal; and other personnel, have been transferred to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja for intensive interrogation and administrative disciplinary processes. They are also slated to appear before the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other relevant panels for further investigation and potential prosecution.

NSCDC Commandant General (CG), Ahmed Audi, demonstrated the institution's remorse and grief by ordering three days of half-mast mourning. He unequivocally stated the Corps' unwavering commitment to integrity, professionalism, discipline, and absolute respect for the rule of law, affirming, "We do not condone unprofessional conduct, high-handedness or any action that undermines the fundamental rights of citizens or the sacred trust reposed in us." Mr. Audi pledged continuous public updates on the investigation's outcome and expressed a strong resolve to eliminate corrupt elements from the system.

Accounts from survivors offered harrowing details of their detention, describing severe overcrowding, intense heat, denial of water, and the alleged spraying of a harmful substance inside their cell, where 67 miners were initially held. As investigations unfold, the NSCDC assures the public of its commitment to transparency, human rights protection, and adherence to professional ethics, awaiting the full findings of the various investigative bodies.

The names of the 37 deceased individuals are:

1. Ibrahim Sani

2. Fahad Sa’adu

3. Abdulsalam Ismail

4. Usman Aliyu

5. Abubakar Alhaji

6. Sani Nasir

7. Sanusi Khalid

8. Ahmad Aliyu

9. Safiyanu Abdullahi

10. Suleiman Dantala

11. Idris Haruna

12. Sani Yakubu

13. Safiyanu Abubakar

14. Abdullahi Abubakar

15. Abubakar Musa

16. Abdul Mudassir

17. Suleiman Lawal

18. Usman Abdullahi

19. Samuel Sambo

20. Ibrahim Musa

21. Yusuf Nasiru

22. Umar Lawal

23. Isyaku Amisu

24. Bissallah Adamu

25. Abdulbari Suleiman

26. Shafisu Lado

27. Usman Ahmad

28. Usman Ibrahim

29. Sani Isyaku

30. Musa Ibrahim

31. Idris Bashir

32. Kabiru Suleiman

33. Emmanuel Emeka

34. Mu’awiya AbdulKarim

35. Abdul Gafar Abubakar

36. Usman Haruna

37. Aro Salihu Soba