NSCDC OPENS INVESTIGATION AFTER MINERS DIE IN NIGER CUSTODY

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has launched an investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who were arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State. The suspects were arrested during coordinated operations carried out by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining activities in the state.

The development followed reports that several of the suspects died while being held at an NSCDC detention facility in Minna. The deaths were discovered in the early hours of Thursday, with reports initially indicating that at least 33 detainees had died. Punch later reported the number at 40, although the NSCDC headquarters in its statement referred to the deaths of “some” suspected illegal miners and did not provide a definitive death toll.

The Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, had attributed the deaths to a suspected outbreak of disease. However, the NSCDC national headquarters cautioned against reaching conclusions on the cause of death, saying any claim linking the incident to a particular disease remained subject to medical and laboratory confirmation. The Corps said it would not speculate until the outcome of the medical examinations was established.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi had ordered the establishment of a high-powered investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation. The team was directed to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, the period they spent in custody, the conditions of detention, the medical attention provided to them and other relevant factors.

Audi also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in NSCDC custody should be given priority. The Corps said measures were also being taken to protect personnel who may have had contact with the affected detainees. The NSCDC expressed condolences to the families of those who died and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on established facts.