The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has confirmed the death of some suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State and constituted a high-powered team to investigate the incident.
The suspects were arrested during a coordinated operation by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the nation’s natural resources.
The deaths were discovered in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, triggering a national directive from the Corps headquarters.
In a press statement issued on Thursday and signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, directed the immediate constitution of a high-powered investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
According to the Corps, 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, conditions of detention, medical attention provided, 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 Corps is also working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure appropriate medical and public-health measures are taken, while the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody is being given utmost priority.
The national headquarters of NSCDC however cautioned against speculation on the cause of death, while the Niger State Command attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, the headquarters clarified that reports linking 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 statement said.
While the official statement refers to “some” deaths, reports from the Niger State Command put the figure at 33 suspected miners who allegedly died after being among about 40 persons detained in the male section of the cell.
The state command had said the arrests followed a “burst operation” against illegal mining.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Police Command has also ordered a separate investigation. The Commissioner of Police directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Minna, to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The NSCDC extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that the incident will be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on established facts.
The Corps urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigative and medical processes to take their course, assuring that further updates will be provided as verified information becomes available.
Michael Olugbode in Abuja
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