The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has launched a high-level investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained following enforcement operations in Niger State.
The investigation was ordered after reports emerged that several of the suspects died while in NSCDC custody in Minna.
The suspects were arrested during coordinated operations carried out by the Niger State Command around 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.
Reports had indicated that no fewer than 33 suspected illegal miners were feared dead 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 linked the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak. However, the NSCDC headquarters said the actual cause had not been established and that any claim linking the deaths to a particular disease would require medical and laboratory confirmation.
Following the development, the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered the formation of a high-powered investigative panel to establish what happened.
According to the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the panel would be headed by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
The team is expected to examine several aspects of the incident, including the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their treatment while in custody, detention conditions and the medical attention provided to them.
The NSCDC said the investigation would also consider other circumstances surrounding the deaths before any conclusions are reached.
In a statement, the Corps said it had confirmed the deaths of some of the suspected illegal miners arrested during the September 15 and 16 operations.
Audi also directed that the health and welfare of other persons still in custody should be given priority. Measures were equally being taken to protect NSCDC personnel who may have come into contact with the affected detainees.
The Corps urged the public to avoid speculation about the cause of the deaths pending the outcome of medical examinations and laboratory tests.
The NSCDC expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and said the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated and addressed based on established facts.
