The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has launched an investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State.
The suspects were arrested during coordinated operations by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining in the state.
The investigation follows reports that no fewer than 33 suspected illegal miners died while in custody at an NSCDC facility in Minna. The deaths were reportedly discovered in the early hours of Thursday.
The Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, had attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak. However, the NSCDC national headquarters said the exact cause had not been established and that any claim linking the deaths to a particular disease was still subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi had ordered the formation of a high-powered investigative team to establish what happened.
The team, led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, is expected to examine 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 also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody be given priority. Measures are also being taken to protect personnel who may have come into contact with the affected suspects.
The Corps expressed condolences to the families of those who died and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be thoroughly investigated and addressed based on established facts.
Afolabi urged the public to avoid speculation over the cause of the deaths until medical examinations and laboratory tests are completed.
The NSCDC said the outcome of the investigation would guide further action on the incident.
