NSCDC Probes Deaths of Suspected Illegal Miners in Niger

By Adebola Muili

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has constituted a high-powered investigative team to probe the deaths of some suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State.

The Corps confirmed that the suspects were arrested during coordinated operations conducted by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of efforts to curb illegal mining and protect the nation’s natural resources.

The development followed reports of the deaths of some of the arrested suspects while in custody, prompting the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, to order an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to a statement issued by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, the investigative team is being led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.

Afolabi said the team had been mandated to conduct a comprehensive investigation covering the condition of the suspects at the point of arrest, their period in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided and other circumstances surrounding the deaths.

“The team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths,” the statement said.

The NSCDC added that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination and determination of the actual cause of death.

The Corps said it was also working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure that appropriate medical and public-health measures were taken.

It specifically cautioned against attributing the deaths to any particular disease before the completion of medical and laboratory examinations.

“The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established,” it said.

The Commandant General also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody be given utmost priority, while measures are being taken to protect NSCDC personnel who may have had contact with the affected suspects.

The Corps expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, assuring them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on established facts.

While reaffirming its commitment to tackling illegal mining and protecting Nigeria’s critical national assets, the NSCDC said enforcement of its mandate would be carried out alongside respect for the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.

The Corps urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigative and medical processes to run their course, promising to provide further updates as verified information becomes available.