MINNA: The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has launched an investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State.
The suspects were apprehended during coordinated operations conducted by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi–Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of efforts to curb illegal mining in the state.
Reports indicate that at least 33 suspected illegal miners died after being detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna. The deaths were reportedly discovered in the early hours of Thursday.
The Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, had attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak. However, the NSCDC national headquarters said the exact cause of death had not been established.
The Corps stressed that claims linking the deaths to any specific disease remained subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, had ordered the formation of a high-powered investigative team to determine what led to the deaths.
The team, which will be led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, is expected to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
The investigation will examine:
- The condition of the suspects when they were arrested
- Their treatment while in custody
- The conditions at the detention facility
- The medical attention provided to them
- Other circumstances surrounding their deaths
The statement partly read: NSCDC has confirmed the death of some suspected illegal miners who were arrested during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.Following the development, the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has directed the constitution of a high-powered investigative team, led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, to immediately look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.”
Audi also directed the Corps to prioritise the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody. The NSCDC said measures were being taken to protect personnel who may have come into contact with the affected detainees.
The Corps expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated.
Afolabi added: The NSCDC wishes to clarify that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation. The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established.”
