The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has paraded its suspended Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and other officers linked to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in custody. The officers were paraded on Sunday at the Corps’ National Headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, as investigations into the incident continue.

The NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, briefed journalists on preliminary findings surrounding the deaths. The briefing focused on the circumstances surrounding the incident and the ongoing efforts to establish what led to the deaths of the detainees.

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Naija News reports that the 37 suspected illegal miners died after being arrested during anti-illegal mining operations conducted by the NSCDC in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16. The incident has prompted investigations into the handling and welfare of the detainees while they were in the Corps’ custody.

Following the incident, the NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, stating that medical examinations would be required to determine the actual cause. However, the Corps’ national leadership rejected the initial explanation as conclusive and ordered further investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The Federal Government subsequently intervened, with Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo suspending Aniviye and 20 other NSCDC officers pending the outcome of an independent investigation. The parade and preliminary briefing form part of the ongoing probe, as authorities seek to determine the cause of the deaths and establish accountability. The final findings of the investigation have yet to be disclosed.