Officers Face Questioning as Corps Releases Preliminary Findings Into Miners’ Deaths
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is parading its suspended Niger State Commandant, Commandant Suberu Aniviye, and other officers linked to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in its custody.
The officers were paraded at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, on Sunday, as the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, briefed journalists on the preliminary findings into the incident.
The 37 detainees died on Thursday after they were arrested during anti-illegal mining operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, saying medical examinations would determine the actual cause.
However, concerns have grown over the circumstances surrounding the deaths, with survivors and relatives alleging overcrowding and poor detention conditions.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago said 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners had been detained at an NSCDC facility before 37 died. He said the cause of death had not been established, while possible suffocation linked to overcrowding and exposure to hazardous substances were among the issues being considered.
The Federal Government has suspended Aniviye and 20 other NSCDC officers pending the outcome of an independent investigation.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo also constituted a 10-member committee to investigate the incident, including the identities of the deceased, their arrest and detention, and the cause and circumstances of their deaths. The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment.
The investigation followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered probe into the incident.
The NSCDC had also constituted its own high-powered investigative team to examine the detainees’ condition at the time of arrest, their period in custody, detention conditions and the medical attention provided to them.
Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation, particularly over reports that some of those detained were minors.
The deaths have also sparked protests in Minna, prompting authorities to impose a curfew following clashes between protesters and security personnel.
The ongoing briefing and investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine responsibility.