Nigeria's Security and Civil Defense Corps has detained 24 personnel over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in its custody in Niger State, expanding an investigation that has triggered public outrage and demands for accountability.

The NSCDC confirmed that three additional personnel have been suspended and detained, increasing the number being held in connection with the incident from 21 to 24.

Those in custody include the suspended Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, as well as senior officers responsible for intelligence, operations, legal services, investigations and guard duties.

The personnel have been moved to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, where they are undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary proceedings.

THREE MORE PERSONNEL SUSPENDED

NSCDC spokesman Babawale Afolabi said three additional personnel were identified during the continuing investigation and subsequently suspended.

The development increases the number of officers being held from the previously announced 21 to 24.

The NSCDC said all affected personnel would be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels examining the deaths.

Officials found responsible could face internal disciplinary measures and possible prosecution.

The suspensions and detention do not establish criminal responsibility. The circumstances surrounding the deaths and the conduct of individual officers remain under investigation.

SENIOR OFFICERS AMONG THOSE DETAINED

The 24 personnel include officers who held senior responsibilities within the Niger State Command.

Among them are the suspended state commandant, senior intelligence and investigation officers, the head of operations and the officer responsible for legal matters.

Personnel involved in arrests, investigations, guard duties and other operational responsibilities are also being questioned.

The NSCDC said the officers were placed in protective custody to ensure their availability to investigators.

37 DETAINEES DIED IN CUSTODY

The investigation follows the deaths of 37 people detained on suspicion of illegal mining after NSCDC operations in Niger State.

The suspects had been arrested during operations conducted on September 15 and 16 in the Wushishi and Lukoto areas.

They subsequently died while being held in NSCDC custody.

The Corps initially raised the possibility of a disease outbreak but later said the cause of the deaths had not been established and should be determined through investigation and medical examination.

Families and survivors have separately alleged mistreatment and overcrowded detention conditions.

Those allegations have not yet been established by the independent investigation.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ORDERS INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION

President Bola Tinubu ordered an investigation following the deaths, while Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji Ojo subsequently constituted a 10 member independent committee.

The committee has been directed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct contributed to the incident.

Investigators have been authorized to access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations and receive information from members of the public.

The committee has two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its findings to the Interior Minister.

The government has also ordered that evidence connected to the incident be preserved.

POSSIBLE PROSECUTION

The NSCDC says the 24 personnel will be available to the independent committee and other investigative bodies for questioning.

Any officers found culpable could face disciplinary action and possible prosecution.

NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi said the investigation would follow due process and pledged that personnel found responsible would face appropriate sanctions under the law.

The government has similarly said suspensions should not be treated as a substitute for establishing responsibility.

No individual officer has yet been convicted of wrongdoing in connection with the deaths.

FLAGS LOWERED FOR THREE DAYS

The NSCDC has also ordered its flag to be flown at half mast across commands and formations nationwide for three days beginning Sunday, September 20.

The Corps said the measure was intended to mourn the 37 people who died and demonstrate its institutional concern over the incident.

The deaths have generated significant public attention in Nigeria, with families, civil society organizations and human rights advocates demanding an independent and transparent investigation.

Attention will now turn to the federal investigation committee as it attempts to establish what happened inside the detention facility and whether individual officers should face criminal prosecution.