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.
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The suspects were taken into custody during coordinated operations carried out by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining in the state.
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The investigation follows reports that at least 33 suspected illegal miners died while being held at an NSCDC facility in Minna. The number was later reported as about 40 in connection with the incident.
The deaths were reportedly discovered in the early hours of Thursday. The Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, had linked the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak.
However, the NSCDC national headquarters said the actual cause of the deaths had not been established. It stated that any claim connecting the deaths to a particular disease would require medical and laboratory confirmation.
The Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered the formation of a high-powered investigative team to establish what happened.
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The team, headed by the Deputy Commandant General responsible for Intelligence and Investigation, is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any factors during the suspects’ detention contributed to the incident.
The inquiry will cover the physical condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions, medical care provided and other circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Audi also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in NSCDC custody should be given priority.
The Corps is also taking precautionary measures to protect personnel who may have come into contact with the affected detainees.
NSCDC said it would rely on established facts and the outcome of medical examinations before reaching conclusions on the cause of death.
The Corps expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly examined and any necessary action taken based on the findings.
The investigation is expected to provide clarity on the events leading to the deaths and determine whether there were any failures in the handling, detention or medical treatment of the suspects.
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