The Federal Government has suspended 20 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over their alleged involvement in the deaths of 37 people detained in connection with suspected illegal mining activities in Niger State.
The suspension followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the suspension and the constitution of a 10-member independent committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
According to the minister, the officers will remain suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
Full list of suspended NSCDC officers
1. O/C Station Guard — SC Usman Isah Ndamaka
2. Station Guard — ASCI Hassan Mohammed
3. Station Guard — CCA Bala Mohammed
4. Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation — CSC Oluwadare Sunday
5. Arresting Officer — DCC Obafemi Elvis
6. Arresting Officer — CSC Annas Shitto Lamino
7. HOD INT/INV — DCC Philip Ajayi
8. O/C Legal — ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado
9. Day/Night Duty Officer — ASCI Alhassan Mohammed
10. Guard Duty — IC Abdullahi Sale
11. Guard Duty — IC Mohammed Sonfada
12. Guard Duty — CAI Liman Abubakar
13. Guard Duty — CAI Bala Usman
14. Guard Duty — IC Mohammed Jiya
15. Guard Duty — DSC Isah Suleiman
16. Guard Duty — CAI Ahmed Wushishi
17. Guard Duty — IC Sale Adamu
18. Guard Duty — IC Haruna Mohammed
19. Guard Duty — ASCI Aliyu Sallah
20. Guard Duty — CAI Isah Sanusi
Tunji-Ojo said the independent panel would examine the circumstances that led to the deaths and establish the facts surrounding the incident.
The minister also expressed condolences to the families of those who died and appealed for calm while the investigation is underway.
The incident has drawn public concern, with calls for an independent investigation into the deaths of the detainees.
