By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has detained 24 of its personnel in connection with the death of 33 suspected illegal miners in Niger State, while directing that the Corps’ flag be flown at half mast across all formations nationwide for three days as a mark of mourning.The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, assured Nigerians that due process, transparency and accountability would guide the ongoing investigation. He stated that any officer found culpable would face the full weight of internal disciplinary measures and the law.Speaking at the Corps National Headquarters in Abuja, the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Babawale Afolabi, disclosed that the number of personnel under investigation had increased from 21 to 24 following the identification and suspension of three additional officers.Afolabi explained that all officers and personnel linked to the incident were taken into protective custody at the National Headquarters on September 17, 2026, following a joint operation involving the Commandant General’s Special Investigation Squad (SIS). He said the suspects are currently undergoing intensive interrogation and administrative disciplinary procedures to ensure their availability for the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other panels set up to probe the incident and recommend possible prosecution.According to him, the Commandant General ordered that the NSCDC flag be flown at half mast across all formations from September 20, 2026, for three days as a solemn expression of grief, institutional remorse and the Corps’ condemnation of the incident.Quoting the Commandant General, Afolabi said: “As a Corps founded on integrity, professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law, we do not condone unprofessional conduct, abuse of authority or any action that undermines the fundamental rights of citizens and the trust reposed in us by Nigerians.”He added that the NSCDC leadership remains committed to transparency, human rights protection and professional ethics, assuring the public that updates on the outcome of the investigation would be provided as the process progresses. He also appealed for patience and understanding from Nigerians during the period of internal review and accountability measures.The personnel currently in custody in connection with the incident are:1. Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye (SN: 3465) – Suspended Niger State Commandant2. DCC Ajayi Philips (SN: 19546) – Head, Intelligence and Investigation3. DCC John Agrahau Chagwa (SN: 1571) – Head, Operations4. DCC Obafemi Elvis (SN: 26234)5. ACC Stephen Tsado (SN: 19057) – Officer in Charge, Legal6. CSC Oluwadare Sunday (SN: 12648)7. CSC Annas Shittu Lamino (SN: 28882)8. SC Usman Isah Ndamaka (SN: 70016)9. DSC Aminu Sule Garba (SN: 66281)10. DSC Musa Marafa (SN: 66580)11. DSC Isah Sulaiman (SN: 44377)12. ASCI Hassan Muhammad (SN: 56218)13. ASCI Alhassan Muhammad (SN: 14232)14. Aliyu Sallah (SN: 67130) – Guard Duty15. IC Abdullahi Sale (SN: 41683)16. IC Mohammed N. Sonfada (SN: 74351)17. Mohammed Jiya18. Sale Adamu (SN: 46400)19. Haruna Muhammed (SN: 52659)20. CCA Baba Muhamma (SN: 44273)21. CAI Isah Sanusi (SN: 78586)22. CAI Liman Abubakar (SN: 72017)23. CAI Bala Usman (SN: 76178)24. CAI Ahmed Wushishi (SN: 70502).