20 NSCDC Officers Suspended Over Deaths of 37 Detainees in Niger

Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and 20 other officers following the deaths of 37 people in the Corps’ custody.

The officers were suspended pending the outcome of an independent investigation into the incident, which occurred on September 17, 2026.

The Ministry of Interior also established a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths. The committee is expected to identify the deceased, examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, determine the cause of death, and establish whether there was negligence, misconduct or other responsibility. It will also recommend appropriate action and compensation where applicable.

The suspended officers include personnel responsible for station security, arrests, investigations, legal affairs and guard duties.

The 37 deceased persons were among suspected illegal miners arrested during NSCDC enforcement 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, while the bodies were taken to the General Hospital in Minna for medical examination. However, the official cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Survivors have given different accounts of what happened inside the detention facility, including allegations that detainees were held in an overcrowded and poorly ventilated cell. Another survivor alleged that a substance resembling perfume was sprayed inside the cell shortly before some detainees collapsed. These allegations remain subject to investigation.

The deaths triggered protests in Minna, after which the Niger State Government imposed a curfew. Governor Umar Bago also ordered a state-level inquiry.

President Bola Tinubu has directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident, while the Interior Minister has suspended the affected officers pending the conclusion of the probe.

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