Death of miners: CG orders NSCDC flags flown at half-mast

From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja, and Ifeanyi Okonkwo, Awka

As Nigeria mourns the death of 33 suspected illegal miners in Niger State, Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Abubakar Audi, has ordered that the corps’ flags be flown at half-mast across all its formations for three days.

The order took effect on Sunday, September 20, 2026.

Audi also assured that due process, transparency and accountability would be strictly followed in the investigation of 24 personnel of the corps linked to the incident.

The personnel, who are currently in NSCDC custody, will face disciplinary measures and prosecution if found culpable, he said.

The Corps Public Relations Officer, ACC Babawale Afolabi, disclosed that three additional personnel had been identified and suspended, bringing the total number of personnel under investigation from 21 to 24.

According to him, all the affected officers and men of the Niger State Command have, since September 17, been taken into protective custody at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.

He said they were undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary proceedings to make them available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigation panels for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Afolabi said the decision to fly the corps’ flags at half-mast was a demonstration of the leadership’s grief, institutional remorse and disapproval of the incident.

He quoted Audi as saying the gesture was also intended to signal the corps’ resolve to purge the organisation of personnel found to have violated its standards.

The CG said: “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.”

Audi also pledged that the NSCDC would continue to keep the public informed about the outcome of the investigation.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the corps leadership to transparency, protection of human rights and professional ethics.

Personnel in custody

The personnel being held in connection with the incident include:Commandant Subaru Siyaka Aniviye (SN: 3465) – suspended Niger State Commandant;DCC Ajayi Philips (SN: 19546) – Head, Intelligence and Investigation;

DCC John Agrahau Chagwa (SN: 1571) – Head, Operations;DCC Obafemi Elvis (SN: 26234);

ACC Stephen Tsado (SN: 19057) – Officer-in-Charge, Legal;CSC Oluwadare Sunday (SN: 12648);

CSC Annas Shittu Lamino (SN: 28882);

SC Usman Isah Ndamaka (SN: 70016);

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) – Guard Duty;

IC Abdullahi Sale (SN: 41683);

IC Mohammed N. Sonfada (SN: 74351);

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).

The NSCDC said the investigation would determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and establish individual responsibility where applicable.

Meanwhile,  Anambra State Command of the NSCDC has joined Nigerians in mourning the deceased .

Following the tragic incident, Audi, directed all formations of the Corps nationwide to fly their service flags at half-mast for three days as a mark of honour and collective mourning.

In compliance with the directive, the Anambra State Command, under the leadership of Commandant Maku Olatunde, ordered that service flags at the State Command Headquarters, Area Commands, Divisional Offices and other formations across the state be flown at half-mast from Sunday, September 20, to Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

The Command said the gesture was to express solidarity with the bereaved families and the people of Niger State, describing the incident as a difficult and sober moment for the Corps.

It extended its condolences to the families of the deceased, the government and people of Niger State, and all Nigerians affected by the tragedy.

The Command also prayed to God to grant the families, friends and loved ones of the deceased the strength to bear the irreparable loss, while wishing survivors of the incident a quick and full recovery.

Speaking through the Command’s spokesperson, SC Okadigbo Edwin, Commandant Olatunde said the Corps deeply regretted the incident and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the sanctity of human life.

He also expressed the Command’s support for the thorough and transparent investigation ordered by the Federal Government through the Minister of Interior.