NSCDC Launches Probe Into Deaths of Suspected Illegal Miners in Niger Custody

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has ordered an investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who were arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State.

The suspects were apprehended during coordinated operations conducted by the Niger State Command around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of the authorities’ efforts to tackle illegal mining in the state.

Reports following the arrests indicated that several of the suspects died while in custody at an NSCDC facility in Minna.

Initial reports put the number of deaths at 33, while subsequent accounts suggested the figure could be as high as 40.

The deaths were reportedly discovered in the early hours of Thursday, with the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, initially linking them to a suspected disease outbreak.

The NSCDC national headquarters, however, said the actual cause of the deaths had not been established.

The Corps stressed that any claim connecting the deaths to a particular disease remained unconfirmed pending medical and laboratory examinations.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, had ordered a high-powered investigation into the incident.

According to Afolabi, the investigative panel would be headed by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.

The inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests and subsequent deaths, including the health condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the period they spent in detention, the conditions under which they were held and the medical care they received.

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.

“The team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths, including the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Audi also directed the Corps to place greater emphasis on the health and welfare of all suspects still being held in custody.

The NSCDC said it was simultaneously taking precautionary measures to safeguard personnel who may have come into contact with the affected detainees.

The Corps expressed sympathy to the families of those who died and pledged that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be investigated and addressed based on verified findings.

Afolabi further cautioned against drawing conclusions about the cause of the deaths before the medical investigation is completed.

He 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.

“The Corps extends its condolences to the families of the deceased and assures them that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on established facts.”