Niger Miners’ Deaths: Commissioner accuses NSCDC of operating outside its legal mandate

The Niger State Government has raised concerns over the conduct of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, operatives following accounts of their activities during an investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody.

The Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Bello Magaji, told the judicial commission investigating the deaths that testimonies obtained from survivors exposed what he described as unprofessional conduct by the corps.

Magaji, who served as secretary of the state government's committee that investigated the incident, said the accounts raised questions about whether the operatives were conducting themselves in accordance with the law establishing the agency.

He urged the commission to address the alleged excesses, insisting that personnel of the corps must be held to the legal standards governing their operations.

He stated, " The NSCDC was established under an enabling Act. But they operate outside the Act and the law establishing them. They should operate in accordance with the Act that established them. Their excesses in their operational conduct are unprofessional".

The commissioner made the remarks while testifying before the Justice Mohammed Mohammed Judicial Commission of Inquiry, which is examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

He also recounted how he was notified of the incident, saying the then suspended state commandant, Siayaka Zubeiru Aniriviye, called him on September 17, 2026, to report the deaths.

According to Magaji, he immediately contacted Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who directed that the bodies be taken to a hospital.

He said the commandant requested logistical assistance to move the bodies, after which he contacted the permanent secretary in his ministry to arrange funds for the evacuation.

The inquiry also heard from the corps' Head of Civil Defence Operations, Deputy Commander John Abraham, who explained how operatives arrested 69 miners during an operation ordered by the suspended commandant.

Abraham said the arrested suspects were subsequently handed over to the Department of Intelligence and Investigation for further action.

Attention also turned to the case of Emmanuel Emeka, who reportedly died after spending six days in detention.

The Mokwa Area Commander, Assistant Commander Adebayo Tajuddeen, and Assistant Superintendent Mamman Ibrahim testified about the circumstances surrounding Emeka's arrest, investigation and detention.

Their testimony raised questions about the legality of the arrest and allegations that money was collected in connection with his detention and a court warrant.

The officers also addressed the whereabouts of N1.4 million allegedly recovered in connection with a dispute involving N12 million.

Emeka's employer, Wilfred Ugwu, also testified before the commission, explaining the circumstances that led him to report the deceased to the NSCDC.

Ugwu said he had accused Emeka of diverting N12 million belonging to his business.

The commission's inquiry is examining the conduct of NSCDC personnel, the circumstances surrounding the arrests and detention, and the events that culminated in the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners.

Niger Miners’ Deaths: Commissioner accuses NSCDC of operating outside its legal mandate