The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has paraded suspects linked to the deaths of 37 alleged illegal miners detained in corps’ Niger State command’s custody.

In a statement on Sunday by the assistant spokesperson for the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, said the corps mourned the miners.

The commandant general of the NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, said that investigation would be strictly followed, adding that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of internal disciplinary measures and the law.

‎‎Mr Afolabi said, “In a swift and decisive joint operation conducted in conjunction with the Commandant General’s Special Investigation Squad (SIS) all officers and men of the Niger State Command linked to the gross misconduct have since on September 17, 2026, been taken into protective  custody at the National Headquarters, Abuja, where they are undergoing rigorous interrogation.

“And administrative disciplinary action, so as to make them available for the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigation panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.”

Mr ‎Afolabi said that Mr Audi had ordered that the NSCDC flag be flown at half-mast across formations for three days, starting from Sunday, to signal the corps’ collective mourning and resolve to purge the system of bad eggs.

He stated, “‎As a Corps built on integrity, professionalism, discipline, and absolute respect for the rule of law, 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 Afolabi noted that Mr Audi pledged on behalf of the service to continue to keep the public abreast on the outcome of the investigation, adding that the leadership of the NSCDC remained unwavering in its commitment to transparency, human rights protection, and professional ethics.

‎He also appreciated the patience and understanding of Nigerians during the internal re-evaluation.

The officers in custody include Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye (SN: 3465), the suspended NSCDC Niger State Commandant; DCC Ajayi Philips (SN: 19546), Head of Intelligence and Investigation, with the remark “lack of supervision,” DCC John Agrahau Chagwa (SN: 1571), Head of Operations, also with the remark “lack of supervision,” DCC Obafemi Elvis (SN: 26234); ACC Stephen Tsado (SN: 19057), Officer-in-Charge of Legal; CSC Oluwadare Sunday (SN: 12648); CSC Annas Shittu Lamino (SN: 28882); and SC Usman Isah Ndamaka (SN: 70016).

Others include DSC Aminu Sule Garba (SN: 66281), DSC Musa Marafa (SN: 66580), DSC Isah Sulaiman (SN: 44377), ASCI Hassan Muhammad (SN: 56218), ASCI Alhassan Muhammad (SN: 14232), Aliyu Sallah (SN: 67130), who was assigned to guard duty, IC Abdullahi Sale (SN: 41683), and IC Mohammed N. Sonfada (SN: 74351).

Others are Mohammed Jiya, Sale Adamu (SN: 46400), Haruna Muhammed (SN: 52659), CCA Baba Muhamma (SN: 44273), CAI Isah Sanusi (SN: 78586), CAI Liman Abubakar (SN: 72017), CAI Bala Usman (SN: 76178), and CAI Ahmed Wushishi (SN: 70502).