Nigeria suspends 20 officers after deaths of 37 people — Premium Times Nigeria
In Niger State, Nigeria, the federal government has suspended 20 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in connection with the deaths of 37 people suspected of illegal mining. They died while in the corps’ custody.
Suspension of officers
As Premium Times Nigeria reports, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the decision on Saturday. Along with the 20 officers, the head of the NSCDC in Niger State, Suberu Anivwiye, was suspended.
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The suspensions will remain in effect until an independent investigation into the circumstances of the detainees’ deaths is completed. Those suspended include personnel responsible for station security, detention and investigation, intelligence, legal support, day and night shifts, and holding people in custody.
Investigation into the circumstances of the deaths
The federal government also ordered an investigation to determine the cause of the deaths and establish whether there was negligence or official misconduct. Following the detainees’ deaths, the case sparked broad public concern, and the authorities called for calm while the review is underway.
