By Palma Ileye
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested and detained its suspended Niger State Commandant, Subaru Siyaka Aniviye, alongside 24 other officers over the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners in custody, as investigations into the incident intensify.
The Corps also ordered that its flags be flown at half-mast across all commands, formations and directorates nationwide for three days in mourning for the victims.
Addressing journalists at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja on Sunday while parading some of the suspended officers, the National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said the Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, was deeply disturbed by the September 17 incident.
He disclosed that officers and personnel linked to the operation had been taken into protective custody at the National Headquarters in Abuja for interrogation and possible disciplinary action.
According to him, the action was taken in conjunction with the Commandant-General’s Special Investigation Squad, adding that a Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels would have access to the detained personnel.
Afolabi said, “The Commandant-General wants to assure the general public that no stone will be left unturned in this matter. Due process will be strictly followed, and every personnel found culpable will face the full weight of internal disciplinary measures and the law.”
He added that three additional personnel had been identified and suspended, bringing the total number of suspended personnel to 24, up from the initial 21.
The NSCDC spokesperson said the Corps would ensure that anyone found culpable faced appropriate disciplinary measures and prosecution where applicable.
The arrested officers include Commandant Subaru Siyaka Aniviye; DCC Ajayi Philips; DCC John Agrahau Chagwa; DCC Obafemi Elvis; ACC Stephen Tsado; CSC Anerunoye Oluwadare Sunday; CSC Annas Shittu Lamino; SC Usman Isah Ndamaka; DSC Aminu Sule Garba; DSC Musa Marafa; DSC Isah Sulaiman; ASCI Hassan Muhammad; and ASCI Alhassan Muhammad.
Others are Aliyu Sallah; IC Abdullahi Sale; IC Mohammed N. Sonfada; Mohammed Jiya; Sale Adamu; Haruna Muhammed; CCA Baba Muhammad; CAI Isah Sanusi; CAI Liman Abubakar; CAI Bala Usman; and CAI Ahmed Wushishi.
