The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has paraded its suspended Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, alongside other officers linked to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the Corps’ custody.
The officers were presented at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, on Sunday during a media briefing convened to provide an update on the preliminary investigation into the incident.
The Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, addressed journalists during the briefing and outlined findings emerging from the investigation.
The 37 detainees died after being arrested during anti-illegal mining operations carried out by NSCDC personnel in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Following the deaths, the NSCDC initially suggested that a suspected disease outbreak could have been responsible, while noting that medical examinations would be required to establish the actual cause.
The explanation, however, was subsequently subjected to further scrutiny as the national leadership of the Corps ordered a broader investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
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The Federal Government also intervened in the matter, with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announcing the suspension of Aniviye and 20 other NSCDC officers pending the outcome of an independent investigation.
The parading of the affected officers in Abuja forms part of the authorities’ ongoing efforts to establish what happened to the detainees and determine whether any official misconduct or breach of procedure occurred.
The NSCDC leadership has maintained that the investigation will establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and guide any further action considered necessary.