The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Niger State Police Command have commenced separate investigations into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the NSCDC in Niger State.
The deaths occurred after the suspects were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining in parts of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The NSCDC confirmed the deaths in a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, saying the suspects were arrested during a coordinated operation by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis.
Following the incident, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, directed the constitution of a high-powered investigative team headed by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
According to the Corps, the team has been mandated to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the suspects at the time of arrest, the period they spent in custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the medical attention provided to them and other relevant circumstances.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination and determination of the actual cause of death.
The NSCDC said it was working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure that appropriate medical and public-health measures were taken.
The Corps also cautioned against premature conclusions regarding the cause of the deaths, saying reports attributing them to any particular disease remained subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
“The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established,” the statement said.
The Commandant General has also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody be given priority, while measures are taken to protect personnel who may have come into contact with the affected suspects.
The NSCDC expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated and addressed on the basis of established facts.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Police Command has separately commenced an investigation into the incident.
The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, ordered the immediate investigation following the discovery of the deaths at the NSCDC detention facility in the early hours of Thursday, September 17.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the Commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Minna, to take charge of the investigation.
The police said the investigation was aimed at unraveling the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the suspects.
The Commissioner called on family members, relatives and members of the public who may possess credible information relevant to the investigation to come forward and provide such information to the SCID in Minna.
He urged residents, relatives and acquaintances of the victims to remain calm, law-abiding and supportive of the investigative process, assuring that the police would pursue the facts surrounding the incident.
The Police Command also reaffirmed its commitment to upholding human rights provisions and ensuring accountability in the discharge of statutory responsibilities by law enforcement agencies.
The development comes amid intensified enforcement efforts against illegal mining in Niger State, with the NSCDC maintaining that its operations are aimed at protecting Nigeria’s natural resources and critical national assets.
However, the Corps stressed that its mandate to combat illegal mining must be pursued alongside its responsibility to protect the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.
With both the NSCDC and the Police now investigating the deaths, the medical examination of the remains and findings from the investigations are expected to provide further information on what happened to the suspects before their deaths.
