# Nigeria NSCDC operations and Niger State custodial deaths > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-security-and-civil-defence-corps-operations-and-mis > Updated: 2026-09-20T03:50:34.000Z. Sources: 25. Developments: 2. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has been involved in several high-profile incidents involving criminal operations and internal misconduct. In early September, the agency conducted intelligence-led operations that resulted in the rescue of 15 trafficked children across several eastern transit corridors. These children were allegedly targeted by a syndicate using a fake education project to lure low-income families. During the same period, the NSCDC uncovered internal corruption involving the diversion of service weapons, including the theft of AK-47 and G3 rifles by personnel. By late September, the agency faced a major crisis in Niger State following the deaths of 37 detainees in Minna. The deceased were among 66 individuals arrested during anti-illegal mining operations on September 15 and 16, 2026. While the NSCDC suggested a disease outbreak might be responsible, survivors provided conflicting accounts. Some reported breathing difficulties due to unbearable heat and overcrowding in poorly ventilated cells, while others alleged a guard sprayed a scented substance into the room before detainees began to struggle for air. Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago noted that the deceased included individuals other than miners, such as a theft suspect, and confirmed that forensic examinations and autopsies are underway. In response, the Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and 20 other officers. A 10-member independent presidential investigation committee has been established to determine the exact cause of death and establish responsibility. The NSCDC has detained 24 personnel in connection with the incident and ordered its flag to fly at half-mast for three days. ## Claims - The Federal Government has suspended 20 officers and the state commandant as part of an investigation. (disputed by 5 sources) - 37 suspected illegal artisanal miners died while in the custody of the NSCDC in Minna, Niger State. (corroborated by 13 sources) - The deceased were among 66 suspected illegal artisanal gold miners arrested during raids on September 15 and 16. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak. (corroborated by 5 sources) - Survivor Sadiq Sani alleged that a guard sprayed a scented substance into the cell before detainees struggled to breathe. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has demanded justice and compensation for the families of the 37 deceased miners. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Survivor Dauda Shehu stated that detainees experienced severe breathing difficulties due to unbearable heat. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Niger State Government has ordered forensic examinations and autopsies. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-20: NSCDC investigates deaths of 37 detainees in Niger State custody The NSCDC is investigating the deaths of 37 detainees in Niger State custody. Authorities have suspended the state commandant and 20 officers as an independent probe examines allegations of suffocation. 20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/niger-state-37-suspected-miners-die-in-nscdc-custody ### 2026-09-04: NSCDC rescues 15 trafficked children and arrests personnel for arms diversion The NSCDC rescued 15 trafficked children from a fake NGO syndicate and arrested personnel for the illegal sale and diversion of service rifles and weapons. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nigeria-security-and-civil-defence-corps-rescues-15-trafficked-children --- Cite as: Nigeria NSCDC operations and Niger State custodial deaths. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nigeria-security-and-civil-defence-corps-operations-and-mis