NSCDC Probes Deaths of Suspected Illegal Miners in Niger Custody

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commenced an investigation into the deaths of some suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State.

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 activities in the state.

The development followed reports 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, with the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, initially attributing them to a suspected disease outbreak.

However, the NSCDC National Headquarters said the actual cause of the deaths had yet to be established, stressing that reports linking them to any specific disease remained subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.

In a statement on Thursday, the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, had directed the constitution of a high-powered investigative team to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

According to him, the team, led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, has been mandated to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.

The investigation will cover the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided to them and other circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The statement partly read:

“NSCDC has confirmed the death of some suspected illegal miners who were arrested during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.”

Audi also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in NSCDC custody be prioritised, while measures are taken to protect personnel who may have had contact with the affected persons.

The Corps urged the public to avoid speculation pending the outcome of the medical examination.

Afolabi said:

“The NSCDC wishes to clarify that reports attributing 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 Corps expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on established facts.

The investigation is expected to establish the cause of the deaths and determine whether any other factors contributed to the incident.