The Federal Government has suspended 20 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in connection with the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Corps in Niger State.

The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, pending the outcome of an independent investigation into the incident.

The Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC is also among those suspended.

The officers listed for suspension are:

  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

The Minister ordered the suspension as part of measures to ensure that the investigation into the deaths is conducted without interference.

The reported deaths occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026, after the affected persons were held by the NSCDC Niger State Command on suspicion of illegal mining.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed that the incident be subjected to a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation.

The Minister subsequently constituted a 10-member independent committee to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate their arrests, detention and the cause and circumstances of their deaths.

The committee is also mandated to determine responsibility, complicity, negligence and misconduct, and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable.

The Minister directed the NSCDC leadership and all officers concerned to cooperate with the committee and ensure that relevant records and evidence are preserved.

He warned against any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation.

The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report.

Tunji-Ojo expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm as the investigation proceeds.