Nigeria, Sept. 19 -- The federal government has suspended 20 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in connection with the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in the corps' custody in Niger State.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the suspension on Saturday, alongside the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye.

The officers are suspended pending the outcome of an independent investigation into the deaths.

The affected officers include those responsible for station guard duties, arrests and investigation, intelligence, legal services, day/night duty and custody.

They include SC Usman Isah Ndamaka, ASCI Hassan Mohammed, CCA Bala Mohammed, CSC Oluwadare Sunday, DCC ...