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The number of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel being held over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State has risen to 24.
Three additional officers were taken into custody after the NSCDC said they were identified as having links to the incident. The development follows the earlier detention of 21 personnel attached to the Niger State Command.
According to the Corps, the affected officers have been transferred to its national headquarters in Abuja, where they are undergoing questioning and administrative disciplinary procedures.
The personnel are also expected to appear before the independent panel established by the Federal Government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The panel is expected to establish what happened and determine whether any individual or institution bears responsibility.
The incident occurred after suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State. The deaths have prompted government action, including the suspension of officers allegedly connected to the matter.
NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi said the Corps would cooperate with the ongoing investigations and ensure that any personnel found to have violated the law or professional standards face appropriate sanctions.
As part of its response, the Corps also directed that its flag be flown at half-mast across its formations for three days in honour of those who died.
The Federal Government had earlier constituted a 10-member independent committee following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
